JAMES M. BARRETT III

JAMES M. BARRETT III, 87, died on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Fort Wayne, he was a partner in the law firm of Barrett & McNagny and a director of Fort Wayne National Bank for 32 years. A champion for the environment, he drafted the Indiana Nature Preserves law under which more than 200 natural areas have so far been dedicated in Indiana. He also helped found the Acres Land Trust, which preserves natural areas in northeast Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. He loved music, poetry, science, and the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Patricia D. Barrett of Huntertown; children, Ann (Jeffrey S.) Barrett Hicks of North Brookfield, Mass., Robert E. Barrett of Aurora, Colo., and Barbara Barrett of Huntertown; and grandchildren, Kelsey A. Hicks, Jennifer B. Hicks, Madison L. Hicks, and Diego M. Barrett. He was preceded in death by his parents, James M. Jr. and Edna Barrett; and sister, Joan Wheatley. A memorial service will be held later at Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Road. In lieu of flowers, Acres Land Trust or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.