J. Barry Barker

J. Barry Barker passed away the evening of December 2, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Barry was born April 20, 1951 in Wingham, England to parents John and Kathleen Barker. The family immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts in 1958, and Barry grew up in Woburn, MA as the oldest of five boys, in a rambunctious house full of love. He spent his teen years caddying to save money for college, and became a child of the 1960s counterculture, which influenced him for the rest of his life. He graduated with a degree in engineering from Case Western Reserve University.
Barry led the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) as Executive Director for more than 20 years and was a national leader and advocate for public transit, particularly in the areas of accessibility and affordability. Over the course of his career he received many awards for his leadership, but most notably he was inducted into the Kentucky Transportation Hall of Fame in 2018 for his leadership and innovation in increasing access to public transportation for all residents of Louisville, and in 2007 he was named Outstanding Public Transportation Manager of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association. Barry was incredibly passionate about ensuring transit access for all, and he worked tirelessly for four decades toward that goal. He loved his work and shared it with everyone he could–dinner-table conversations with his family often included discussions of bus rapid transit, real-time alerts, and transit logistics. He waved to every bus for 25 years, and everyone in the family grew used to the sound of the radio in his car monitoring the status of buses in the area. Barry's work ethic and his true desire to contribute to his community were an inspiration to many, from his colleagues to his family.
Barry's commitment to community and supporting all of Louisville's families was evident in the many nonprofits he worked closely with, including Metro United Way, the Americana Community Center, and Rotary International. Like his public transit work, Barry wanted to share his passion for community with those around him. He took his family to the Americana Community Center New Year's celebration, spent weekends painting for House of Ruth, and generally imbued his family with an ethic of community spirit and pride that they carry with them to this day.
Barry Barker was funny, engaging, open to the world, and a tireless advocate for the things he cared about. After moving to Kentucky, he surprised himself by becoming passionate about riding horses, and went to Wyoming every year to ride on a ranch. On his 65th birthday, he decided he wanted his first tattoo, a bear symbol that he had long loved. He was a true believer in the power of Fleetwood Mac, long walks (the longer the better), and the healing power of pulling weeds in his garden.
Barry is preceded in death by his wife of 16 years, Kathleen Partlow, mother Kathleen Norris, brothers Kevin Barker and Joseph Barker, and stepson Christopher Duffy.
He is survived by his daughters, Rachel Barker and Mia Partlow, beloved grandson Aiden Duffy and grandchildren Louisa and Silas Partlow, brothers Anthony Barker and Stephen Barker, and his wonderful nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Barry also had many incredible close friends who supported him for many years, and the time spent with these friends quite literally sustained his body and his spirit, particularly in his final months.
Memorial services are planned for January 2025. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to one of Barry's favorite community organizations.
Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's,
"Where Louisville Goes to Remember"