James Brian Barry

With great appreciation for my father-in-law, for over thirty years of shared family life, never faltered in offering sound advice, gentle guidance, and encouragement. His fun loving spirit and quick whit turned smiles into laughter. The entire Barry and St. Louis Priory Families are in my thoughts and prayers.

My sincere condolences to the Barry family. We were blessed to have such a talented, intelligent and witty teacher, who was able to size up his students and inspire or challenge us appropriately. I have many fond of my classes with Mr. Barry. God Bless.

Love Madeline Barry, may you R.I.P "Firework" Grandpa.

Dear Anne and the Rest of the Barry's,

So sorry to hear about your father's passing. I have many fond memories of being at your home with your parents and his wonderful sense of humor and involvement with your lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at such a tender time in your lives. My heart goes out to all of you. I will not be able to be there with you all on Thursday, but will be with you in spirit. - Love - Marquita

Mr. Barry was truly a brilliant and witty person. I always eagerly anticipated to our weekly "symposia" with Father Ralph and other students, and I will look back on those memories warmly.

Myles and I are so sorry to hear of Brian's death. What a wonderful man, and how much I enjoyed working with him at MTSI. I will really miss his "Hello, my dear" whenever I phoned.

Mr. Barry gave a lot of needed structure to my Junior and Senior year. One of the best words of advice for a science project was that I should just get started. He gave me a project that had nothing to do with what I final did in the end, but it got me started. Basically, it got me started talking to him.

One of the most charming people I've ever enjoyed. He'd tease me in such a clever way that it'd take a day or two before I'd realize he'd included a subtlety to encourage my maturity. I often recall his quips, because, alas, they're still quite applicable. I was very sad to learn they will now have to live only in my fading memory. Thank you for everything, Mister Barry.

We don't have to believe the best teacher ever is dead if we don't want to.
Nearly 40 years later, not only do I remember Mr. Barry teaching about sines, cosines and tangents with imagery of knights trying to figure out if their ladders will span the moats and reach the tops of castle walls prior to facing boiling oil and arrows--I have used them myself, and watched them bring smiles to the faces (and, more importantly, understanding of the principles) to today's students.
His students will never forget him. I am sure many, if not all, will pass along not only the knowledge, but a story or two of the man who taught it.
For the Barry family, may happy memories of his life displace the pain of his passing.
Fair winds and following seas, Mr. Barry.