JAMES BARKLEY

BARKLEY, James Andrew (Burr), age 87, of Montgomery, Alabama, died peacefully on December 18, 2012, after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, William L. and Valsie M. Barkley, his brother, William E. Barkley, and his second wife, Jane M. Barkley. Burr joined the Marines in 1942 at the age of 17 and served his country proudly during World War II. Upon discharge at the war's end, Burr played AAA baseball with the Pensacola Flyers, the Chattanooga Outlooks and the Montgomery Rebels, where he played centerfield and hit lead-off for the Southern League Championship team. His professional baseball career extended all the way to the Major League with the Omaha/St. Louis Cardinals, until a back injury prematurely ended his career. Burr returned to Montgomery and eventually decided on a career in homebuilding. He was a resident of his beloved Lake Jordan for many years and he spent many happy days there fishing, boating and enjoying life. He leaves a family who dearly loves him and will greatly miss him. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, especially his family: daughter, Barbara Kelley, and her husband, Danny, of Montgomery, Alabama; his son, Bobby, and daughter-in-law, Gail Barkley of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; his son, Bill Barkley of Ponte Vedra, Florida; and his son, Brock, and daughter-in-law, Kay Barkley of Pike Road, Alabama. Peep was a wonderful grandfather to Chris, Amy and Andy Hardeman; Lauren, Shayne and Bo Barkley; Destin and Billy Barkley; and Christian, Joe and Jamie Barkley and Hunter McClung; and his great-grandchildren, Blaze, Taylor and Bella Barkley. Burr was blessed to have Ann Parker Chaudron of Pensacola, Florida, as his constant companion in his last years. She brought much happiness to him and he loved her dearly. "J" was also loved by his loyal friend, Wayne Zeigler, who was like a son to him. The family wishes to thank Baptist Hospice for the compassionate care given to Jim in his last days. Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Hospice, P.O. Box 241647, Montgomery, AL 36177-7221. In keeping with Jim's wishes, a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at White Chapel on Thursday, December 20, 2012, at 2:00 p.m.