James Robert Barton

1930 - 2016

James Robert Barton, 86, died Dec. 26, 2016, in Fort Worth, surrounded by his loving family. Memorial service: 3 p.m. Thursday at Southside Church of Christ, 2101 Hemphill St. in Fort Worth. Jim was born Sept. 22, 1930, in Whiteflat, Texas, to James J. and Margaret Williams Barton. Jim served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a radio operator during the Korean War. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1957. Jim worked for Texas Electric Service Company/Texas Utilities until his retirement in 1992. Jim was a long-time member and former deacon and elder at Southside Church of Christ in Fort Worth. Jim always enjoyed studying the Bible and teaching Bible class. He spent his life in service to others: country, church, community and family. He volunteered for many years loading and unloading food for the church pantry every week. He preferred to be outdoors, especially working in his yard and flower beds. Jim was an excellent bridge player and is lovingly remembered for his dry sense of humor and his legendary trash talk at the 42-table where he almost always won. He was preceded in death by both parents; brothers Vaughn B. Barton, Bruce J. Barton and Jodie E. Barton; sisters Evelyn Noel, Loree Arnett, Lucille Adair and Ruby Barton; and son-in-law, Frank Perry. Survivors: His wife of sixty-two years, Patricia McLenna Barton; sister, Dorothy Moore; daughters, Michelle Perry, Elizabeth Barton, Melissa Mahaffey and husband, Joe, and Elaine Woodul and husband, Ken; grandson, Barton Mahaffey; and granddaughters, Sarah Mahaffey, Caroline Mahaffey, Leslie Mahaffey, Grace Mahaffey, Margaret Woodul and Melissa Woodul.