James Charles "Jim" Barekman

1932-2010 Shortly after celebrating his 78th birthday James (Jim) Barekman passed away at home November 21, 2010 in Sonoma, CA surrounded by family. He handled his brain cancer with dignity and his usual irreverent sense of humor. Jim was born in Klamath Falls, OR. on October 11, 1932 to Ruth and Willis Barekman. His brother Mike joined the family after they moved to California. He was proud to attend Berkeley High School and UC Berkeley before going to UCSF pharmacy school where he was president of the pharmacy fraternity Phi Delta Chi. On his way to a party during finals week he met Jeanette Scott, a nursing student at UCSF, who was to become his wife for 56 cherished years. His first child Pamela was born while he was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA while he was serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. After his discharge he purchased Rex Pharmacy in Fort Bragg, CA where he had spent many memorable summers on the Bolden dairy farm with his cousins Dorothy and Joan. His second daughter Cindy followed shortly thereafter, later joined by daughter Lori and then by son Jim. His brother Mike joined him at Rex Pharmacy while Jim expanded his businesses to include becoming a partner in Farmers' Empire Drug store in Santa Rosa, CA. In 1970 Jim moved his family to Duncan, B.C., Canada. There he was able to spend more time at home and helped influence his children's education as president of his daughters' school board. He enjoyed taking the family to the ski slopes (while he read in the lodge!), water skiing (while he piloted the boat!) and traveling to many countries. After ten years he returned to California to be close to his parents, in-laws and college-aged children. Along the way he sold his pharmacies but continued to work until his third retirement effort, when he decided that the lure of crossword puzzles, family travels and the opportunity to watch his extensive educational DVD collection on a wide range of classical and historical subjects became too much to resist. He loved his long walks (as long as no rattlesnakes were to be seen). His presence at "Camp Grandma and Grandpa" was central to family gatherings where his wit and counsel were important to all. His 12 grandchildren: Gavin (wife Erin), Jordon, Chelsea, Jill, Camden, Jenna, Logan, Travis, Jacqueline, Natasha, Courtney and Mariana all enjoyed spending time in Sonoma. Son-in-laws Jim Wade and Wade Eakle, and daughter-in-law Luanne Paproski, were also valued and willing participants. His skills as an organizer kept chaos to a minimum, while his love of the wine country and its' products and his unwavering support of his family made him a true patriarch. He believed in family and his country and was generous to both. His family will celebrate his life in a private memorial. Jim felt that the future of America is in helping the young. Contributions may be made to The Leadership Institute (Steven PJ Wood Building, 1101 North Highland St, Arlington, VA, 22201-9895) or any other youth organization of your choice.