OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Funeral services were scheduled here late last week for James Baska, former president and chief executive officer of Associated Wholesale Grocers, Kansas City, Kan., who died last Tuesday at the age of 83 following an extended illness. Baska ran AWG from 1984 through 1991. During his tenure, the company introduced two of its proprietary private-label brands, Best Choice and Always Save, and developed the deli, bakery and satellite communications departments. He was a onetime director of the National Grocers Association and served as its chairman in 1987-1988. He is survived by his wife Juanita, two sons and four grandchildren.
