James Richard "Jim" Barker

James Richard "Jim" Barker, 73, of Cobden, died at 1:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, 2015 at his home. He was born May 19, 1942 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Warren James and Mildred Louise Schenck Barker, and was raised by his stepmother, Edna Violet Barker. He met Frankie O. Fox in 1961 and they later married on Aug. 25, 1964 in Plainfield, Indiana. They were married for 51 years and raised three sons.

He is survived by his loving wife, Frankie O. Barker of Cobden; three sons, Richard Allen (Melanie) Barker of Ava, Charles Allen Barker of Edgewater, Florida, and Michael Allen Barker of Alto Pass; seven grandchildren, Hunter Bruns, James Ethan Barker, Seth Allen Barker, Ashly Grace Barker, Nathan Allen Deon Barker, Alexander Robert Barker and Brittney Ariel Barker; other relative and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He honorably served his country in the United States National Guard for six years, obtaining the rank of Specialist (E-4).

He was a hard worker and everyone who met him loved his kind, gentle soul. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Jim was a third generation carpenter, building with his father in Plainfield, Indiana, then working for thirty-two years with E.A. Knight Construction in Illinois. He has left a legacy of fine craftsmanship.

He loved racing, especially the Indianapolis 500. He restored his 1936 Indian Motorcycle with his father and showed it in various car shows. He enjoyed auctions, swap meets, and going to Clark's junk yard with his sons and grandsons.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed by everyone.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden with Rev. Ed Falgout officiating. Interment was in the Casper Cemetery in Anna. Graveside military rites were conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Military Honors Team of Marion. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden.

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James Richard "Jim" Barker