James W. Barkhurst

James William Barkhurst, at the early age of 67, passed away in October 2024, at his home in Fenton, Missouri.
Jim was born in Peru, Indiana to William and Marcella (McNeely) Barkhurst on November 16, 1956. Jim's family moved from Peru, Indiana to Shelbyville, Illinois where while growing up, he enjoyed growing up with his brother, spending time at the family farm, sledding down Shelbyville Lake's dam hill in the winter, and making life-long high school friends and memories. Jim was very fond of these memories of growing up in rural Illinois, including memories made as a member of the First Christian Church located inside Shelbyville.
Jim went on to graduate from The University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois where it installed in him a deep passion for College Football. Future memories were made at tailgate and football games / alumni events on campus with friends and family - the most cherished memories were the attended games where the Fighting Illini beat Michigan. After football games shared with his own family as an adult, Jim loved pointing out locations on campus which held funny or significant memories such as ones within the Student Union, on the Quad or inside his Fraternity. After University, Jim went on to a successful career that carried him through various firms. The most distinct and recent being at Mastercard. Jim invested nearly 25 years at Mastercard International in O'Fallon, Missouri, from where he recently retired prior to his passing.
Jim was a unique spirit, having quick wit along with a gentle heart, provided insightful wisdom and maintained strong traditional values. Jim was unmatched in his taste for travel along with superior music selections. On trips with his family, the "aux cable" was always safe with Jim. A soundtrack of Dan Fogelberg, Joni Mitchell, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, James Taylor, Barbara Streisand and Sting could be guaranteed to be playing in the background of expansive blue skies and rolling Rocky Mountain mountain tops as Colorado was Jim's favorite destination.
Jim appreciated the simple things in life and placed emphasis on the importance of connection. Jim cherished his family deeply, and we, his family loved him. With heavy hearts mixed with loving and happy memories with our Father/Brother/Uncle/Friend, we send him on to Heaven with a song from the soundtrack from his travels that he graciously bestowed to us in Dan Fogelberg's song, "Ever On":
"May the trail rise up to meet you,
May your heart rejoice in song.
May the skies be fair above you,
As you journey ever on...
May your love be there to guide us,
May it always keep us strong.
May we walk within your footsteps,
As you lead us ever on."
Surviving are his daughter Meredith Barkhurst, brother Joseph Barkhurst and wife Daphne, nephew Judson Barkhurst and family, and niece Stacey Barkhurst and family.
He was predeceased by his parents.