Jimmy F. Barker

Jimmy Floyd Barker (Tater), age 81, born March 3, 1945, passed away in his home on March 21, 2026.

Jimmy went to Cutter Morning Star, where he graduated in 1963. Jimmy Barker and Patricia Echols were high school sweethearts at Cutter Morning Star and married on June 12, 1964. Jimmy was a Christian and a true child of God. Jimmy was known to all to be a fair, honest man who was always present to lend a hand to help or an ear to listen for anyone who needed it.

He loved his family and he loved them with true Godly love. Jimmy was also known to have a comical side, which his children and others can attest to. Some still honor his traditions of picking a Christmas tree. The kids all picked a thorn bush as a joke and Jimmy took this tree and decorated it with tensile and gumballs. It was very similar to the Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

Jimmy loved buying and trading cars, some of which his young children were embarrassed to ride in. In one case, Jimmy would pick his kids up from school in one of these cars, only after he had written each child's name in huge print on the window with shoe polish for the entire school to see.

Jimmy served in the Army as a private Ez (specialist 4 USAR) from October 1966 until November 1971 as a radio operator. He trained in Fort Polk, Louisiana and Fort Chaffey, Arkansas, where he received several awards and acknowledgements. He also trained at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where he beat world record for interpreting morse code on his first attempt. They thought he had been cheating and made him retake the test the next day, where he did even better. They were so impressed that they offered him a job as an instructor with good pay, but Jimmy refused because his family meant more to him.

Jimmy was employed by Arkansas Power & Light through all his career and retired at age 55. He loved his job, but he always loved spending time with his family more. Thus, refusing higher management with higher pay because he chose to stay close to his children.

Jimmy was proceeded in death by his father, Jesse Barker; Mother, Dorris Davis Barker; Brother, Jesse Nolen Barker; Granddaughter, Kayle Nicole Barker; His great Grandchildren, Wesley Cummins and Maddy Cummins.

Survivors include his ex-wife and friend, Patricia Reed; Daughters, Angela Barker and Kristal Barker; Son, Joseph Barker and his wife Shannon Barker; and his Grandson, who was his pride and joy, Oliver Barker. All of which reside in Hot Springs, AR.

Jimmy had a huge loving family and a large host of friends. His wish was to list everyone personally, but time got away from him. He wanted everyone to know they were important and loved by him.

The family will be hosting a small memorial service in Jimmy's honor at 1730 Millcreek Road on Saturday April 4th, at 2 pm. All are welcome to attend, knowing he loved having people gathered to enjoy food and laughs.

Honorary Pallbearers include Joseph Barker, Oliver Barker, Rex Barker, Roger Barker, and Don Wood.