JAMES THOMAS BARKER's Obituary
Barker, James Thomas “Jim”, 86, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his devoted and loving wife of almost 53 years Montye Barker, and his children, Tom Barker (Corrine); John Danese; Bryan Barker and Gaye Walker (Steve); brother Bill (Margie); and predeceased by son Robert Barker. Grandfather of eight; great-grandfather of ten. Jim will be remembered for his radiant, warm smile, sparkling blue eyes and dry, Southern wit. Born on August 26, 1929 in Valdosta, GA., and one of six children, Jim and his family moved to Jacksonville, FL., where he grew up. A 1946 graduate of Andrew Jackson High School, Jim went immediately into the Air Force where he worked as an airplane mechanic for six years. He also had the privilege of being involved with the Berlin Airlift. After his time serving his country, Jim returned to Jacksonville to attend Jacksonville University where he majored in Business, was a member and president of the Green Key Honor Society and played basketball for the Jacksonville Dolphins. A man of fierce commitment and dedication, he spent 26 years with Southern Bell and retired as District Manager in 1986. During his time with Southern Bell, he promoted the first woman to the position of office manager.
Jim demonstrated his commitment to community affairs by serving for 12 years as a City Commissioner for the City of Coral Gables. One of the highlights of his service was the renovation of the Coral Gables Youth Center. He was also instrumental in establishing the Dr. Donald R. Hopkins/William A. Cooper Scholarship Fund in the City of Coral Gables.
He was actively involved in numerous organizations including President of the Junior Orange Bowl Committee; President of the Orange Bowl Committee; President and District Governor of Rotary, District 699; Board Member of the Goodwill of Greater South Florida; President of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce; 35-year Board Member of Doctor’s Hospital; and Board Member of International Finance Bank.
Never far from his humble upbringing, in preparing for a trip to the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Jim wrote, “What a thrill for a ‘Liberty Park Rat’ to have come this far. From playing ‘Overhead’ and ‘Kli-Kli’ at the Park to go to an Olympics. Dad would have been proud.”
Jim’s first love was to the Lord. He was a loyal member of University Baptist Church, now known as Christ Journey Church, for more than 30 years. Jim’s warm smile greeted thousands each December when the church staged their annual Miami Christmas Pageant and he was one of the ushers. Active in the life of the church up until his last days, he served as a deacon for many years; and cherished his time on Sunday mornings with his wife as they worked as Sunday School teachers together.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology or the Dr. Donald R. Hopkins/William A. Cooper Scholarship Fund of the City of Coral Gables; a scholarship started by and always loved by Jim.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, November 7th at 3 pm followed by a reception at Christ Journey Church in Coral Gables. For Orange Bowl members, Orange Jackets are welcomed.
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