John Ray "Jack" Barker

Obituary of John Ray "Jack" Barker

John (Jack) Barker, born August 12, 1938, in Rochester, N.Y., passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on March 28, 2026.

Jack was a kind, genuine soul who was immediately liked by everyone he met. He had a wonderful smile and a happy demeanor that was contagious. Family was Jack's first priority and he raised three children with his wife, Janie. Nothing made Jack happier than having his family all together. He loved being a dad and always told his children how proud he was of them. In turn, Patti, Bill, and Betty were beyond proud of their dad who modeled kindness, patience, a strong work ethic and a wonderful sense of humor. His children adored their dad and this adoration continued when Jack became a grandfather to Ty, Jack, Will and Ryann. He shared his neverending love and support with his grandchildren at every turn.

Throughout Jack's life, he had a passion for buses. He started working at Trailways at the age of fifteen washing/servicing buses. He eventually started driving buses locally, then enjoyed driving chartered tours. Jack loved country music and drove ninety charters to Nashville, Tennessee. He then took on the role of bus dispatcher and truly loved the challenge that came with this job. Jack continued to show his ongoing dedication and work ethic and eventually became the vice president of Trailways for the Rochester region. Jack loved his job from day one as evidenced by his 66 year career.

Jack is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janie, children, Patti, Bill and wife Trish, Betty and husband Jeff, grandchildren Ty (Ambre), Jack (Lauren), Will and Ryann as well as his first great grandchild, Dean. Jack will be the best guardian angel to Adeline (Jack and Lauren) expected in April and John Beau (Ty and Ambre) who will join the family in June. In addition, Jack is survived by many nieces and nephews as well as numerous friends from his Trailways family.

A celebration of life for family and friends will take place this summer. If you would like to honor Jack's memory, we invite you to make a donation to Parkinson's Research at give.michaeljfox.org.

Goodbye

Donna Ashworth

I cannot say goodbye

you are so vividly alive

to me

in the wake of every day

and the brush

of every breeze

So I'll simply say hello

watch for the signs

I know you'll show

to me

all the ways you'll light

my world

now your soul

has been set free.