Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Barbour Obituary
1924 - 2015
James Barbour passed peacefully on August 24, 2015, at St. Luke's Hospital, Boise, after a brave fight against multiple health challenges. James started life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 10, 1924, the son of Murray, a music professor, and Mary, a schoolteacher. When James was seven, his sister Margie arrived to complete the family.
His life was full of adventure, starting with attending kindergarten in Germany. Back in the States, he was active in sports, excelling in track and field during high school. He got his bachelor's degree in English at Michigan State University, then served in the Marines during World War II. After the war, he studied in France on the GI bill, later completing his master's degree in French at Michigan State University.
James then served as a Red Cross field director in the Philippines, at Iwakuni Air Force Base in Japan, and in Korea during the Korean War. Eventually his Red Cross duties took him to Denver, Colorado, where he met his wife-to-be Dollie, who started out as his secretary. They wed on June 12, 1955, and were blessed to celebrate 60 years of marriage this past June. Dollie introduced James to the Seventh-day Adventist faith, and he joined that church before his marriage.
For many years thereafter, he served the church as a teacher of high-school English, French, and religion. An early assignment took him and Dollie all the way to Sydney, Australia, where their daughter Ellen was born. Back in the States, James taught in Colorado, Michigan, West Virginia, and New York. To assist with his church work, he earned a master's degree in theology at Andrews University in Michigan.
Before retirement, James served as a literature evangelist, selling Christian publications throughout Denver. He was consistently a top seller for the state, earning bonus trips to Hawaii and Europe for him and Dollie. Even more important, the sales work gave him the chance to share his faith with many customers.
James and Dollie stayed in Denver for a number of years before relocating to Boise, Idaho, to be near their daughter Ellen in 2003. They loved their home right on the Boise Greenbelt, where they took numerous walks together. They also enjoyed taking annual trips with Ellen, especially to their very favorite destination, Hawaii.
James's health declined over the years, yet his zest for life and his love for social interaction never wavered. He thrived on meeting people and making new friends wherever he went. He had a very active mind right to the end, and he kept up with all the latest news and with the fortunes of his favorite football team, the Denver Broncos.
James also remained a devoted husband to his beloved wife. They shared a love for God, which served as a strong foundation for their relationship and gave them strength to overcome many obstacles. He was always a loving father to his daughter, teaching her about his faith and sharing with her his wanderlust, his interest in varied sports, and his favorite desserts.
All of us who loved James will miss him so much, yet we are comforted by our hope of seeing him again soon at Jesus' second coming.
James is preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife Dollie of Boise, Idaho, and his daughter Ellen of Kuna, Idaho.
A memorial service to celebrate James's life will be held on Saturday, September 12, at 5:00 p.m. at the Kuna Seventh-day Adventist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Barbour
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
6 Entries
Tiffany Foley
August 31, 2015
Jim had a very special way of getting to know each person that he met and becoming friends. He was always kind and I am very grateful to have known him. My heartfelt sympathies to Dollie and Ellen.
Raquel DeGroot
August 30, 2015
He was always Mr. Barbour to me. I met him when Ellen and I were both college students, and I kept in touch over the many years since. I knew some of what was shared in his obituary, but not all--what an amazing life he had. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mrs. Barbour and Ellen. He leaves a giant void in your lives, no doubt, but the rich memories of a joyous life well-lived will carry you through this sad time of mourning. Remember that a reunion awaits.
Jennifer Rudisaile
August 30, 2015
What an interesting and entertaining man Jim was! I met him when I was a teenager when he began working for my Dad, Bert Herrick, as a Literature Evangelist.
Our hearts are with you, Ellen & Dolly, as you lay him to rest in the arms of Jesus. We can't wait until we are all reunited in the new earth!
Ty & Jennifer (Herrick) Rudisaile
Barbara Parrott
August 28, 2015
So sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Jim was a teacher of mine back in the 60's and I know you will miss him very much. "What a day of rejoicing that will be when we all get to Heaven!"
The Steeds
August 28, 2015
Our prayers are with Ellen and his wife, Dollie, and the rest of the family. May God embrace you in his comforting arms.
August 27, 2015
Will miss his kidding around when we took walks on the greenbelt. He made Monday mornings brighter. Debbie
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in James Barbour's name
Memorial Events
for James Barbour
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Barbour's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
