Many friends and family may not have seen Jim Barr much over the years but they knew of his world travels through stories proudly told by his children, parents and siblings. His family use to joke that he was actually in the CIA. With his aviator sunglasses, khaki pants and sport shirt he definitely looked the part: a man of mystery and adventure traveling to far off places. His work took him around the world, usually to meet ships filled with grain, often to tumultuous, 3rd world countries. He navigated languages, cultures and world politics with ease. He was a voracious reader who took a stack of books with him to fill his downtime. His traveling for work was not always easy for his family especially when he was gone for weeks that sometimes turned into months. He knew that his wife Carilyn was managing life on the home front with his children Jacquelyn and Mike. His family and the home Carilyn created for their family was the center of his universe that kept him grounded. Jim could appear stern, serious and even intimidating. But under that tough exterior was a kind and caring man who was fiercely devoted to his family. He had a rye sense of humor and a devilish tinkle in his eye when he founds something to be funny. His need for adventure started at a young age. He was a stand out football player who was known to get into a scuffle or two behind Burger Chef on Cochran Road. He was no stranger to the ER. As a young man it was said that he was like a cat with nine lives. His Mom often said, “Thank God for Carilyn.” She worried a little less about him after he married and “settled down”. I know Jim would also say “Thank God for Carilyn!”
> Finally, Jim was a man of faith. His faith in God helped him to face his battle with the insidious MSA with true grit which means with courage and resolve. That was Jim to the end.
 

Kathie Barr

Carl was always a little crazy and a lot of fun.  He would always tease my mother and she loved him for doing it.  I have always had fond memories of him.