Jim Barker

When reflecting on the life of Jim Barker, it is easy to see his unwavering strength, love of family, and hardworking nature. He brought a wry sense of humor and high standards to every room he walked into, and he could put a smile on anyone’s face. Through good times and bad, Jim always held his family and friends close. Deeply loved, Jim will be forever missed.

Born to William and Anna Barker of Kalamazoo, Michigan, on September 21, 1943, Jim was the fourth of six children. He grew up in the family home on Crooked Lake alongside Brenda, the twins—Bill and Cheryl, Jean, and Bob. He would tell you that even though they “didn’t have two nickels to rub together” Jim’s childhood on the lake was full of happy memories. During his high school years, Jim played tennis, was involved in the school band and served as class president. He found his sense of humor at a young age, and he could often be found surrounded by friends. Jim graduated from Mattawan High School in 1961, and to this day remains connected with his classmates.

Jim attended Western Michigan University for a few years and was eventually drafted by the U. S. Army in January of 1965. After basic training, Jim served in the 168th Engineering Combat Battalion and deployed to Vietnam from November 1965 to October 1966. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and received numerous medals including Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14), Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Jim also received an Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in the Republic of Vietnam. Though Jim didn’t often talk about his military experience; he was incredibly proud to have served his country and he continued to support men and women in uniform. Jim was also proud of family members who are currently serving, including his niece, CAPT Allison Christy, Deputy Commodore, Destroyer Squadron 21, and his granddaughter, Avery Barker, who currently serves as a cadet in the ROTC at the University of Tennessee.

After returning from Vietnam, Jim began working at Texas Corners Marathon. While at work one day in March of 1967 he saw a woman across the street and asked his buddy, Paul, if he knew who she was. As luck would have it, Paul knew Connie Davis well because he was dating her sister. One evening while at the Davis residence, Paul asked Connie if she knew Jim Barker and if he was someone she would be interested in going out with. Connie said Jim would just have to ask her himself. He did, and the rest was history. After a few months of dating, Jim and Connie were married on November 10, 1967.

Of all the things Jim loved in life, nothing was more important than his family. After seven years of marriage, he and Connie were finally blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Christina, joined five years later by their son, Adam. Jim thrived in his role as a father. He loved showing his kids off and celebrating their successes, and he was their biggest supporter in everything in life. Jim instilled in Christina and Adam the importance of hard work and leading by example. He and Connie dedicated themselves to raising their children as equals, always willing to help each other. He was not afraid to do household chores — nothing was a man’s or woman’s work to him. He was a husband and father who was truly ahead of his time. Later in life, Jim was thrilled to become a grandfather. He adored his grandchildren, and each one has special memories of their time with him.

Jim was never afraid to chase after what he wanted in life, especially with the support he received from Connie. He was an entrepreneur at heart and spent years cultivating his skills in business while working at gas stations and grocery stores. Early on in their relationship, Jim and Connie bought a convenience store, The Bartender’s Stop on Mt. Olivet Road, which would become their first business. Jim loved working for himself. His extroverted personality made him a natural people person, and he always exhibited a genuine interest in learning about others. Later on, along with his brother-in-law, Don Davis, Jim owned Magoo & and Co., another convenience store. Though he and Don couldn’t be more different from one another, they were excellent business partners and worked well together. Jim also brought his children in to work at the business, teaching them valuable lessons in business and people leadership. He and Don sold Magoo & and Co in 2000, and Jim attempted to “retire.” He soon found retirement didn’t suit him and picked up a part-time job with Rowerdink. While his official duties included delivering auto parts to local dealers and mechanics, Jim most enjoyed interacting with his customers and co-workers.

Even though he always had his hands full with his businesses and working in retirement, Jim had many interests to keep busy and active in his free time. In his younger days you could find him and Connie on a snowmobile in the winter and a dune buggy in the summer. He spent a number of years restoring a 1962 Chevrolet Pick-Up, which he frequently took to car shows. Jim and Connie were also able to embark on adventures in their later years. They enjoyed taking short road trips around Michigan, and they loved driving through small towns and finding unique local restaurants and stores—Jim supported local before supporting local was cool. Jim also wanted a special garage of his own, so one day he decided to design it himself, nicknaming it the Taj-Ma- Garage. He loved having fun, and he was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends.

All who knew Jim Barker will certainly agree that there was no one else quite like him. He was an example of generosity and selflessness, and he faced every challenge that came his way with fierce determination. Jim’s biggest blessing was his family, which grew to include his wife of more than 50 years, his beloved children, five grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Although he accomplished so much to be proud of in life, Jim was always humble and kind. Though he will be dearly missed, Jim leaves behind a legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his honor.

James Barker, age 81, died peacefully with his family by his side on February 4. Jim was born September 21, 1943, in Kalamazoo to William and Anna (Penny) Barker.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings William and Cheryl. Surviving is his wife: Connie; children: Christina (Ken) Reita, Adam (Erin) Barker; grandchildren: Brody, Avery, Remy, Ava, and Gavin James; siblings: Brenda, Bob, and Jean; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Tuesday, February 11 from 5-7 at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where food, drink, and stories can be shared. Life Story Services will be held Wednesday, February 12 at 11AM with a reception to follow.

Celebrate Jim’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Fisher House Foundation, building comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital.