James H. Barber, age 96, of Marion, and formerly of Dresden, TN, was released from earth to his heavenly home on Monday, January 23, 2017.
On September 14, 1920, James was born in Palmersville, TN, the son of the late Clarence and Susie (Shelton) Barber. He graduated from Palmersville High School.
Growing up in a small rural town, James met his future wife in grade school, Sylvia Woodruff. They were meant for one another and were married on January 2, 1942, in Joplan, Missouri, also tying the knot after being the witnesses for their friend’s wedding. They shared seventy four years of marriage. She preceded him in death on March 29, 2016.
In 1944, James enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to serve his beloved country in the battle of World War II. He was a pilot and had earned the rank of major. He continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for thirty years.
James worked for the Gulf Oil Corporation, as their Credit Manager, for thirty five years in offices in Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, Korea, and Illinois before retiring and returning to his home state of Tennessee. Later, he went back to work at Weakley County Farmers Co-Op in Dresden, TN, as an Account Payable Manager for several years.
For many years, James and Sylvia enjoyed going to auctions, and purchasing and restoring antiques to be sold at their booth known as Sylvia’s Antiques at a local mall. She was the face and flair of the business, and James was happy to crunch the numbers and fix the antiques in his basement workshop.
In the early 2000’s, James and Sylvia moved to Marion, Ohio, to be nearer to their family, where they found their 2nd family at the Primrose Retirement Community.
James will be remembered as a true “southern gentleman” for his sincere kindness and considerate nature. For his family, he was a deeply devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters: Linda Kay (James) Bever of South Bend, IN, and Patricia (Donald) Miller of Marion; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Including his wife and parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Barber.
His family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, at the Snyder Funeral Homes, DENZER Chapel, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will be observed privately by his family, with military honors being provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Berean Baptist Church, 131 Marion-Cardington Rd. E., Marion, OH 43302, or to Life Action Ministries, 2727 Niles Buchanan Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107, both of which James and Sylvia faithfully supported.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to have been chosen to serve James’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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