James "Jim" Barker

1937 - 2018

James P (Jim/JP) Barker age 81, of Crystal River, FL passed away November 17, 2018 peacefully at home.
Jim was born on Feb 24, 1937 to the late Lillian & Paul Barker in Akron, OH.
After graduating high school, he married the love of his life Emily and become the proud father of JP and Patrick. He joined the United States Marine Corps, serving 7 years and leaving as a Sergeant. He remained in the Akron area for 15 years as a firefighter/EMT and scuba rescue.
He moved the family to Citrus County, FL in 1972, to Triple M Farms where he would do maintenance for a few years, before becoming a building contractor, creating a family business for he, Emily and the boys to build homes as "B Lucky" in Homosassa, FL.
In 1987 Jim founded JP's Canvas & Upholstery where he and JP would carry on a family business for more than 30 years.
After retiring he joined the Marine Corps League Spring Hill Detachment 708 and spent much of this time serving as honor guard at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
Jim had a zest for life. He enjoyed many activities and hobbies. He was an avid boater and past member and instructor of the Crystal River Power Squadron. He had a love for boats and vehicles and used his talents to restore several of them throughout the years.
He had a natural talent as an artist and wood craftsman creating pieces from small wooden palm crosses, to backdrops/props for theatre/playhouses, to furniture in our homes and offices.
He loved his boys, grandchildren, great- grandchildren and the many other children that he and Emily babysat over the years. Always teaching them, cutting up/playing with them, attending their sports/events and being, the best grandpa a kid could ask for.
Jim was a member of the Loyal Order Moose 2013, Marine Corps Detachment #708, American Legion Post 155, and a member of Yankeetown Community Church.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister Sue.
Survived by his loving wife Emily of 63 years, his sons JP (Rhonda), Patrick (Lisa), grandchildren Zach, Brittany, Heather, Aaron, Patrick, Adam, Daniel, Megan, Chris, and Stephen. 10 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Bobbi (Tim) and Jolene, sister in law Iva King and brother in law Carl King.
Jim will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him, as a man with many talents, love for his family and serving others.
A Celebration of Jim's life will be held on Monday November 26, 1018 at the Yankeetown Community Church, 4640 Hwy 40 West, Yankeetown, FL. Friends will be received 10am, with services at 11am officiated by Pastor Dennis Hamill. Interment with military honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL at 2 PM.
Memorial donations in memory of Jim can be made to VITAs Health Care (formerly Hospice of Citrus), 3280 W Audubon Park Path, Lecanto, FL 34461 or Yankeetown Community Church, 4640 Hwy 40 West, Yankeetown, FL 34498.
Strickland Funeral Home and Crematory of Crystal River assisted the family with arrangements.
To sign the guest book, visit ww.chronicleonline.com.