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.

Great friend from the old days (StSimon and Jude).  Too soon, one of the ones that should have lasted forever.  

Jimmy was a great friend & football player. So many memories ! RIP

Jim Barr traveled all over the world and was responsible for the unloading of giant barges (mostly grain) . 20 years ago I get a call from him out of the blue to help him clean up a barge in dry dock in San Francisco Bay. You have to picture these barges are huge and cleaning them is quite a job. After an ass kicking day of working together I ask Jim how were going to remove this large generator from the bottom of the barge. He ties a rope to the 75 to 100 lbs. Generator and proceeds to pull it up hand over hand without my help 40 feet to the top of the hold. That's Hulk strength , he was a great guy. Very sorry to hear this news

Very sorry to hear. He was a great football player at both SS Simon and Jude and Canevin.