Obituary
James "Jim" Wallis Barry, 88 years old, of Schoolcraft, went home to be with the Lord on September 11, 2024. He was born May 29, 1936, in Kalamazoo, MI to Lawrence M. Barry and Louise E. (Andrews) Barry.
Jim was united in marriage October 24, 1958, to Dianne (Peterson) and they had 2 children. He is survived by his wife and children, John M. Barry and Jody S. (David) Wickham. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Brooke (Tony) Hawley, Joel Wickham, Brett (Ashley) Wickham, Matthew Barry, and Rachel (Ian) Burris; great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Christopher, Emily, Tre, AJ, Gabe, Tina, Jozlan, Elliot, Jonas, Benjamin, and Amelia; and three nephews and one niece.
Jim attended Vicksburg High School before enlisting in the US Navy. He served on 2 USN Destroyers, the USS Nicholas and the highly decorated USS O'Bannon, during the Korean War. He studied 3 years of HVAC while in the USN and continued that career path in civilian life, adding pipefitting and welding skills. He achieved Plumbing Contractor and Master Plumber Licenses from the State of Michigan and was a life-long member of the Local 357 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. He was an avid learner and master of skills, never afraid to take on a big project and used his skills to serve others.
Jim was a man of many hobbies. He loved motorcycles. As a young man, he enjoyed dirt biking, often taking his son along. His enjoyment of motorcycling continued into his 80s, riding road bike with his brother, Bob. Jim brought home a flatbed truck full of parts which he lovingly restored into a 1940 Ford truck (the 20-year project). In 1996, he was able to purchase a USN workboat which he set up for fishing on Lake Michigan.
During his tour of duty in the USN, Jim accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. He was a faithful member of Berean Baptist Church for several years, and since 2010 became a member of Texas Corners Bible Church, where he served as deacon for 12 years. He volunteered at the Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries for many years, serving 2 terms on the board.
He will be remembered for his contagious laugh, smile, zest for life, and readiness to serve. He was generous with his time, gifts, and encouragement to others.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bob and Dick.
A memorial service will be held October 18, 2024, at 10:00am at Texas Comers Bible Church, 7780 S 8th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Jim was laid to rest in Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.