James R. Barber

James R. Barber, 63, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 18th at Ellis Hospital, surrounded by his family. Born in Schenectady, Jim is the son of Rose (Ruby) Barber of Schenectady and the late Albert Barber. A graduate of Mont Pleasant High School and Empire State College, Jim worked as a T.V. Administrator for Capitol OTB for over 30 years. Jim was a member of St. Clements Roman Catholic Church. An avid Bass fisherman, he enjoyed deer hunting and played with the North Country Rock Group "Badge" for many years. Because of his love of horse racing, he spent every day at the track during the summer while employed by OTB and after his retirement. Jim was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather and brother, Jim will be missed by all who knew him. Beside his mother Rose, Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gail D. (Smith) Barber; children, Justin Barber of Rotterdam, Aubrey Barber of Saratoga and Ryan Barber of Stillwater; sisters, Lori Smith (Gary) of Rotterdam, Carol Stringham (Donald) of Rotterdam, Nancy Barber of Schenectady, Rozann Barber of Jacksonville, FL; brothers, Allan Barber of Schenectady and Peter Barber (Jackie) of Rotterdam; grandchildren, Anthony, Adriana, Sophia, Mark and Derek; along with many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 23rd at 10 a.m. at St Clements Roman Catholic Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A visitation for Jim will be held on Tuesday evening, March 22nd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Ave., Schenectady, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's Memory to S.A.M. Fund (Southern Adirondack Musicians' Fund), an organization that helps local musicians financially during illness. It is a cause that was dear to Jim's heart. Please make checks payable to SAM Fund, PO box 774, Lake George, New York, 12845. To leave an online condolence for Jim's family, please visit ww.bondfuneralhome.com.