JAMES JOSEPH BARRETT

JAMES JOSEPH BARRETT James Joseph "Jim" Barrett was born on May 20, 1940, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and went to be with his beloved wife, Marky, and with our Lord on September 20, 2025. He was the only son of James Fremont Barrett and Ruby Marie Gardner Barrett. Jim enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Ponca City. From a young age, Jim loved to dance. As a boy, he was a proud member of the Oddo Ponca Indian Dance Team, traveling throughout Oklahoma, New Mexico and Illinois to perform. That love of movement and music never left him. Through the years, his children and grandchildren adored joining him on the dance floor at family celebrations and weddings, creating memories filled with laughter, joy, and togetherness. Dancing with Jim became a tradition that reflected not only his playful spirit but also the deep bond he shared with his family. Jim attended Oklahoma State University, where he met the love of his life, Mark Ann "Marky" Hodgson. They married during Spring Break of March 1961. At OSU, Jim joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity and formed lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers. He and Marky delighted in returning to Stillwater for OSU homecomings, often bringing their children along. The family has fond memories of the Kappa Sig celebrations, where Jim's fraternity friendships extended naturally to their families and created bonds that have lasted generations. After graduating from OSU, the young family moved to Anderson, Indiana. While working for Guide Lamp, a division of General Motors, Jim earned his Master's degree in Industrial Engineering from Ball State University. True to the engineer in him, Jim never made decisions without great reason, thought, and rationale, a trait that guided both his work and his family life. In 1968, Jim and Marky made the life-changing move to Sherman, Texas, where they raised their four children and became deeply rooted in the community. Jim worked at Johnson & Johnson, Day Manufacturing, and Texas Instruments before beginning a new career as a Realtor with Century 21. Jim's work ethic was like none other; he worked tirelessly to be the best he could be, so committed that he continued working even while in the hospital. Jim will be remembered most for his unwavering devotion to his family, his steadfast faith, and his genuine love for people. He treasured attending church services and meeting with his small group fellowships. He cherished his friendships with his church family. One of his greatest joys was serving as a Greeter at Post Oak Fellowship Church, where he welcomed everyone with warmth and kindness. His grandchildren say that he and Marky were supreme examples of the most faithful servants of Jesus Christ and of how people should live their lives. Their legacy of love, faith, and service will live on through the family and countless others whose lives they touched. Jim is survived by his four children: Tracy Barrett Curry, Sheri Barrett Fallon, Mark Barrett, and Brian Barrett; his sons-in-law Jim Curry and Jim Fallon; his daughter-in-law Joy Barrett; his grandchildren Rachel Curry, Barrett Fallon, MJ Barrett and his wife Nicolette, Mattingly King and her husband Ethan, Jordan Curry, Emily Lugo and her husband Nic, and Riley Barrett; his great-grandchildren Aiden Barrett and Madelyn Lugo. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 am at Post Oak Fellowship Church in Sherman, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the P.E.O. Chapter FI Marky Barrett Scholarship Fund, 917 Pelican Dr., Sherman, TX 75092. Arrangements are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home. The online register book may be signed at waldofuneralhome.com