James Robert Barker
1953 - 2021
In Loving Memory of James “Robert” Barker.
James Robert Barker arrived in this world on January 23, 1953 in Reidsville, NC to the proud parents Helen and Thomas Barker, known as “pop” and “mema” to the grandkids. He passed peacefully March 26, 2021, with family at his side, knowing how much he was loved.
This will not be a typical obituary, because if you had the pleasure of knowing Robert, you know he was far from typical. Robert, Red, Jim Bob, Barker, Dad, Diddy, Pop, etc., whatever you chose to call him is survived by his children Christopher and Jennifer Barker, and their Mother Dianne Young, sisters Jane and Anne, brother Tommy, numerous nieces and nephews and his first and only granddaughter Chloe and grandsons Oliver and Christopher. Robert was an amazing man with a beautiful heart that he shared with everyone he encountered. If asked for a word to describe him, adventure comes to mind.
To Robert each day was a gift and an opportunity to explore, which may include walks at the creek or talks with a stranger. He was a lover of life, people, friends, family, helping others, God and the simple things. He was brilliant and talented at woodwork, masonry, building, car restoration, electrical and mechanical repairs, making people laugh and feel loved and so much more. He was also a business owner and a “jack of all trades”, if you wanted to live off grid, he would be the guy you’d want to take with you and he’d be more than ready to take the ride, possibly on his Kawasaki motorcycle.
He loved everyone and everything he met, greeting the birds and animals with a song or a whistle, as if they were part of his family too. His heart was filled with joy at the sight of a sunset or the smile of a friend. His biggest talent was his capacity to love and forgive, and to see the magic in the simple moments in life. He touched the lives and hearts of everyone he met, and he will definitely be missed by all that knew him…but what a blessing if you did!
He would not want us to cry, he would want us to celebrate life and remember to share our love with everyone we meet. Robert never met a stranger and was always looking forward to the next big adventure. Now he is headed on the biggest adventure yet…and heaven better watch out! I can hear him now… “Here I am, the party has arrived” and to each of us he would say “get on out there and enjoy the sunshine, it’s a beautiful day God made for you.”
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday April 3, 2021 at 10:30 am at Sandy Cross Wesleyan Church in Reidsville, NC. To honor the deceased wishes, let’s mask up to keep everyone safe. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his honor to Crossroads Rescue Mission in Shelby, NC.