James "Jim" Barker

JAMES N. BARKER

January 2, 1933 – March 2, 2015

James (Jim) Barker (82) peacefully passed away at home on Monday, March 2, 2015 after suffering with ill health for years. He maintained a fighting spirit and a positive attitude to the end.

Jim was born in Belmont, Michigan and spent his early years tending the family farm where he developed a love for cars, tractors, and anything with an engine. He attended Bob Jones University and Calvin College, and graduated from Illinois State Normal University with a degree in speech pathology in 1960. After working for a year in Independence, Iowa, the family moved back to Michigan where Jim completed a Master’s Degree at Michigan State University in 1962. He was awarded a National Defense Education Act Fellowship for post-graduate work and continued graduate classes at M.S.U. In 1970 the family moved to Holland where Jim worked as Director of Special Education until poor health forced him to retire in the mid 80’s.

Jim enjoyed creating innovative floor plans including a design for his own home, which was the center of countless joyful celebrations over the years. He loved meeting and getting to know people of all backgrounds and cultures, engaging in deep conversation on philosophy, politics, religion, and history. He was especially passionate about social justice. Most of all, he will be remembered for his incredible strength in the face of daunting physical difficulties.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lenore (Lee), children Cindy (Rob) Chabot of Columbus, Ohio, Mike (Colleen) Barker of Portage, Michigan, David Barker of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and his beloved grandchildren, Brian, Brandon, and Briana Barker. Also surviving are brothers-and-sisters-in-law; Joan and Bob Johnson of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Gayle and Bill James of North Canton, Ohio, John Huber of Sarasota, Florida, Steve and Carol Huber of East Lyme, Connecticut, and Mardy Arbuckle of Pensacola, Florida and many cousins, nieces, nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Laverne Barker, and brothers Stewart, John, and Judd.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Saturday , June 20, 2015 from 2-5 pm at he home of Jim and Lee Barker. Contributions can be made to Salvation Army online at https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-725-2769 to make a ‘Memorial Donation’ in Memory of James Barker. Arrangements are by the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes 295 Douglas Ave. To sign the guestbook and leave a memory and/or condolence at: www.dykstrafuneralhome.com (look up James Barker in the Obituary section).