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James Barry Obituary
James F. Bubba Barry Jr., 56, died March 23, 2005, at his home in Haddon Township, New Jersey. Born in Philadelphia, he was a graduate of St. Josephs Prep in 1966 and St. Josephs University in 1970. He was the owner and operator for the past 28 years of Bubbas Potbelly Stove, Quakertown. He was the beloved husband for the past 25 years of Karen (nee OShaughnessy). He was the loving father of James and Bridig. He was the devoted brother of Robert (Candia) of Wayne, Steven (Kay) of Coopersburg, Michael (Mariellen) of Newtown Square and the late Frank. Services: Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. and again Tuesday after 10 a.m. in St. Vincent Pallotti Roman Catholic Church, 901 Hopkins Rd., Haddon Township. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the church. Interment, Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill, N.J. Arrangements, John A. Healey Funeral Home, Haddon Heights, N.J. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Frank Barry Memorial Fund, c/o Dorothy Pohlig, 1665 E. Boot Rd., West Chester 19380.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Barry
Ken Walter
April 10, 2005
Karen and family,
Bubba's Potbelly Stove has been a part of our lives since the late 70's or early 80's. My wife worked on Friday nights and I would take my two daughters to eat at Bubba's. We are there every Friday night, wouldn't miss it. Even though there were few times we would see Bubba we just liked going there. There was a time our church needed some chafing dishes,Bubba loaned them to us for no charge. Our slicer broke down the day of a church dinner, Bubba lent us one. There are other instances that he helped as well. That is just the way he was. The Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks will surely miss him. I am grateful to have gotten to know him, and I am very glad the restaurant will still be open. God bless you and your family as you go through these tough times.
Ken and Sue Walter
Karen Barry
April 8, 2005
Dear Signers,
Thank you for your kind words and fond memories. Bubba's spirit will truly be missed. He touched so many lives and he made us all better people because of him. We are so honored to have had him as our father and husband. As many of you said, it is not often that a person like Bubba walks into your life. He gave us gifts that will last a lifetime. I know these gifts will help us in the time ahead- gifts of laughter, celebration and love.
Our family is so grateful to have all of you who loved Bubba, touch us.
Our love,
Karen,Jimmy and Brigid
Karen Barry
April 8, 2005
Dear Signers,
My children and I are honored by the kind words and fond memories you have included. Bubba was unique- one of God's chosen. I am grateful to have you acknowledge how he touched your lives as he did ours. How we will miss his spirit!
Lovingly,
Karen, Jimmy and Brigid
Chrys Musselman
April 7, 2005
To the entire Barry family and friends: I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Bubba for 12 years and know what it was like to be a part of his extended family. He was always willing to take the extra step, go the extra yard for someone who was in need of his help–just one of the many fine qualities Bubba possessed. It’s hard to believe that I’ll never have the opportunity to stop in say hello. I’m sorry I was unable to attend his service, but please know that he and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dawn Harkleroad
March 31, 2005
I came to Bubba's in Nov. 1984 as a high school kid interested in learning the restaurant business. I learned so much from Bubba that twenty years later I'm still there. I couldn't begin to tell you how much he taught me over the years, and not just about cooking. He was the greatest boss you could ever have. He was also a very dear friend who I shared many a stories with. Bubba was the type of guy no one will ever forget. You only meet a few people in your lifetime that have such an incredible impact on your life. Bubba was one of those people. I will never forget all he has done for me over the years. You were one of a kind. The best kind. My thoughts and prayers go out to Karen, Jimmy and Bridig. We will all miss him dearly.
Hannah Poole
March 30, 2005
Dear Karen & Family: Words are not sufficient to express the sadness felt on the loss of Jim. I was quiet & shy but always wanted to waitress (& needed $$)--my brother Fred encouraged me to apply for a job at Bubba's--I got it!! Bubba let me come in 1/2 hr. later on my shift because of my full time job. I also grew out of my shell by working w/ a lot of fun people-- I absolutely loved my job there & am honored that I've been a part of your restaurant family since 1978--of course, I met Ed there & he proposed to me at table 7B !---as coworkers & then as mutual "business owners" I enjoyed every interaction Jim & I ever had. Ed respected Jim immensely also even though they had their technical arguments--"Blue Skies"
"Honkey Dorey" "Sweetie-heart" and of course "PICK UP!!" (before buzzers)....
all said w/ a lovable Irish smile...
as Bob Hope sang: Thanks for the
Memories, Bubba. love, Disco Hannah
Becky Scheetz
March 30, 2005
Dear Bubba, I'm searching for words to tell you how much I miss you, but I guess you probably know. If I can touch at least half of the people you have in your lifetime, than I will surely know my life has had meaning. I miss you. sir. I'll make sure my sisters behave-you know I'm the good one right?:) Becky
***I am hoping to illustrate a book of memoirs in honor of Bubba's life, to be presented to his family. If you have a funny story, memory, or poem, please email it to me with your name, and I will be sure to include it. Thank you! [email protected]
Kristin Keiser
March 30, 2005
I worked for Bubba and even though we never saw eye to eye he was a great guy.
Liz Leister
March 30, 2005
On any given Sunday I could walk back into the kitchen around 2pm to be greeted instantaneously by that boisterous, familiar voice: “Mornin’ Liz!”, to which I could only reply “Mornin’ Bubba!”.
That voice of reason, compassion, and wit belonged to a man of great character. We all know that Bubba was both the most generous employer and caring friend. He created a loving home-away-from-home for many people: employees and patrons. What more is there to say than what has already been written for anyone who knew Bubba, even in the smallest capacity, knew they were blessed. Bubba, you are dearly missed for you are one in a million.
rollin and doris hallman
March 29, 2005
If there was a person on earth close to being a Saint it was James
"Bubba" Barry. Bubba did so much for
for so many people and never wanting
anything in return. He had a heart
as big as the world and shared it
with everyone he met. Bubba will be
missed by all who knew him. To Karen and the children: We are sorry
for your loss and will think of you
always. May God Bless and care for
all of you.
Tracy Sharrer
March 29, 2005
To the Barry family and all the staff at Bubba's Potbelly Stove...my sincerest sympathies for your loss. I worked at Bubba's all through high school and college, and I have always had much respect for Bubba both as a person and a businessman. I credit my experience working at Bubba's with teaching me how to work hard for a living, but to still have fun along the way. Looking back, I don't think I really realized it at the time because I was too young, but I was extremely fortunate to work for such a good man who cared so much about his employees. Now that I'm out in the business world, myself, I know how rare that is. Goodbye, Bubba...I still always smile when I think of you teasing Chappy about raiding the ice cream containers. Thank you for the fond memories, may you rest in peace, which you so greatly deserve.
Team Bubba's - Catering Political Fundraiser in 1987
Karen Milller
March 29, 2005
My sincerest sympathies to the Barry family. Bubba was truly a great man. I had the honor of working for him for 11 years during and after college. He was the most generous, kind, fun-loving man. He was fond of the Mill’s Brothers song “Paper Doll” and playing Ms. Pacman when he had a rare free minute. Our weekend shifts were so busy and hectic, yet with Bubba there, things seemed to flow smoothly. He made everyone feel welcome and appreciated. There was no end to his giving. My prayers are with you.
Most Sincerely,
Karen Brennan Miller
Ronald E. Seeds
March 29, 2005
To the Barry family and the staff at Bubba's. I am so sorry for your loss.
My dad, Carl Seeds, worked for Bubba. In fact, almost all he ever talked about was Bubba's. I know he considered all of you as family. I'll always remember how good all of you were to my family when my dad died.
Jim Mowrey
March 28, 2005
To the Barry Family and the staff at Bubba's, you are in my prayers daily.As a business associate since the early days, I can say Bubba was one of those people who became more than a "customer" and more like a friend.On several occasions he would call and ask a favor to which I would help him out and he would say "James, you're a wonderful human being" to which I replied "it takes one to know one" and we'd both chuckle.Bubba, I can speak for many in saying that I have been blessed for having spent a season in your path. God Bless You, my friend.
Christina Jasion
March 28, 2005
Mrs. Barry - so sorry for your loss. We really miss you at school.
kate newcomer
March 28, 2005
To the Barry family;
My heart goes out to you all--
You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday...
Wayne Knibbs
March 28, 2005
I remember the first day Bubba's opened and had to opportunity to meet Bubba. I was thinking what a great person for the restaurant business. Bubba had such a great personality. I remember the numerous times in my younger days when I would stay till closing, help the girls vaccuum and Bubba would say what do you want? Kiddingly I would say steak and eggs. One Saturday I went to Bubba's and a plate of eggs and a hamburger was brought to me. I looked up from my seat at the bar only to see Bubba laughing thru the kitchen portal at the bar. He told me it was poor man's steak and eggs. This is how I will always remember Bubba as a person with a great personality and always smiling. My wife Annette and I send our deepest condolence to the Barry family. He will always be remembered in our hearts.
Harry Parker
March 28, 2005
Bubba you are one of the finest people to have ever walked the earth and you will be greatly missed. Our sincerest sympathy to the Barry family from the Parker's
Robin Roman
March 28, 2005
I came to work for Bubba four and half yrs ago and i must say it has been the best place that I have ever worked. Bubba made it feel like family, like you were important and part of a big family who had their ups and downs. Bubba was a one of a kind person one who doesn't pass thru this life everyday but when he does, he touches the life of all that he comes in connect with, a friend whom I will truly miss. My sincere prayers go out to Karen, Jimmy and Bridget all I can say is that he is with the Lord now watching down on all of us and if we listen he will speak to us in our heart. I so enjoyed walking into the kitchen and hearing the sounds of Jimmy Buffet or the Big Bands as I began my day at work seeing the Big Guy behind the line and knowing all was well because our fearless leader was in place. I will truly miss you Bubba, Peace be with you Love, Robin
Just One of the Many Great Memories
March 27, 2005
Debra Barrett
March 27, 2005
As I head off for my shift at Bubba's this morning, I know that today will be one of the roughest days I have had there. Just knowing that when I walk into the kitchen Bubba's smiling face won't be there and will never be again. We all had hopes that he would be back again. Bubba treated his employees and his customers with the utmost respect. If all restaurant owners treated their employees as Bubba treated us there would be no turnover in help. The restaurant business is a tough and hectic one and since starting at Bubba’s a few years ago I find myself truly enjoying going to work. Bubba has made this possible for me and the rest of the employees. I have met his children and am happy to say that he passed his loving and caring ways unto them. Not many people can do that anymore. Bubba will be sadly missed by all of us. His smiling face, generosity and funny pranks that he played on us will be remembered in our hearts forever. We have hundreds of stories, which I am sure we will be sharing for many years. My sincerest sympathy goes out to his family, employees, customers and all that knew him and d will miss him, as I do.
Monica Chai
March 26, 2005
Although many tears have been shed this week, working at Bubba's has been a happy experience. I will never be able to hear a Jimmy Buffett or Yanni song without seeing Bubba behind the line making his famous French Onion soup or extra cheesy reubens.
I have been truly blessed to work at a place that I enjoyed going to and with people I enjoyed being with. Bubba created that environment. He made the restaurant a home and the workers a family, albeit dysfunctional at times, but that is what gave the place its character. And of all the characters with which Bubba surrounded himself, he was the greatest character of all.
He had a gift for making people feel special. He never took himself too seriously, but was a dedicated employer and family man. Bubba was the King of Excess and the Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes and I am going to miss him very much. My memories are all happy ones and like his brother, Frank, I can't help but smile whenever I think of him.
john, tam, liz, adam and jake leister
March 26, 2005
Bubba and his "Pot Belly Stove" was/is an institution for our family. Our joys and sorrows, quests and finds were experienced there.
John and my first Q-town date was at Bubba's. John's cousin, Kay, was the first waitress. His aunt and uncle, Dick and Senna Rosenburger, were such frequent guests that a meal was named after her. When our daughter Liz was born, John celebrated at Bubba's. Almost three years later he commemorated our twin boys' births there. When we asked our children where they wanted to have their celebration birthday dinner, without a missed beat..Bubba's, hands down. But not only did Bubba and his restaurant provide a place to be joyful, when John's mother died he found solace there.
Bubba's French onion soup and burgers started us on the eternal quest to find the best French onion soup, ever. On our vacations north, south, east and west we never did find, nor do we expect to find, French onion soup like Bubba's. Why, his soup even put the Parisian French onion soup to shame! And Jake who is the connoisseur of burgers, relishes Bubba's burgers.
Finds...what did we find there? Employment! Two of our three children found work at the restaurant. Not only did they find employment, but also responsibility, work ethics, friendliness, and cleanliness. (They can attest to their late hours of cleaning!)
Funny thing is, though our family has spent a life time there, I never did meet Bubba Barry. So now I say to you Bubba, thank-you. Thank-you to you and your family. Thank-you for sharing our joys and sorrows, and our quests and finds. Rest in peace.
Dawn Leigh
March 26, 2005
Barry we will all miss you and you were a great boss to me and the other waitresses at Bubba's. We will miss you dearly
Josie & Bud Mayer
March 26, 2005
Bubba will always be in the hearts and prayers of all who he came to meet. His personality said it all, YOU WERE FAMILY. He has left a lifetime of memories that we will all cherish with his passing.
Connie Benner
March 26, 2005
My sincerest condolences to the Barry family. Bubba will certainly be missed tremendously. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow.
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