JAMES "JIM" BARKER

Johnston City-James 'Jim" Barker 67 passed away on Monday March 30, 2020 at 3:35 A.M. in Herrin Hospital.

Jim was born on June 4, 1952, in Herrin, the son of Leonard and Margaret (Worth) Barker. He married, the love of his life Deanna (Kunkel) on August 29, 1975. They enjoyed 44 wonderful years together. She survives.

After graduating from Johnston City High School in 1971, he joined the apprenticeship program at Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, becoming a journeyman lineman. He worked outside construction for Henkel-McCoy, and Oil Field Electric, retiring from Ameren (CIPS) in 2017 after 30 years. He enjoyed many friendships with his co-workers. He was a member of the IBEW and a former member of the Moose Club in West Frankfort.

Jim was blessed with a son, Brandon Barker and wife Haleigh (Davis); three beautiful grandchildren, Gracie Lynn, Grady Lane, and Gryder Leigh. He loved them very much and was proud of his family and their accomplishments; and tried to attended ballgames, concerts, and other activities when his health allowed.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, June Kunkel; brothers-in-law, Guy Kunkel, Paul (Lisa) Kunkel; sister-in-law, Patti Kirkpatrick; brother-in-law, Ron Shew; several nephews and nieces, Ronnie Gene (Melody Neideffer) Shew, Susan (Greg) Hampton, Kyle (Erica) Kirkpatrick, Kris (Jessica) Kirkpatrick, Jason (Nicole) Kunkel, Bill (Ashley) Kunkel, and Jamie Kunkel; 14 great nephews and great nieces; an aunt, Gloria Barker; special cousins, Doug (Kay) Barker, Steve (Kathy) Barker, Kim (Mark) Heiple, and Danny (Karen) Crain.

He was preceded by his parents; a sister, Sharon Kay Shew; father-in-law, Bill Kunkel; brother-in-law, Tim Kirkpatrick; maternal and paternal grandparents; plus several aunts and uncles.

Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday August 29, 2020 at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor Stephen Hudspath officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Due to Covid-19 masks and social distancing will be required.

Memorials may be made to the Johnston City High School Class of 1971 scholarship fund and will be accepted at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City.