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James Barrow Obituary

>BARROW, James William, passed away March 20, 2007, in Tampa. He was a loving husband, father and grand-father. James graduated from the Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception of New York in 1957 and proudly served as the first African- American special agent with the FBI for 35 years. He was an avid jazz fan and an overall music afficionado. Some of his hobbies included racquetball, playing cards and playing the piano. He was a devout member of Incarnation Catholic Church of Tampa. James was preceded in death by his son, Kevin William Barrow. He is survived by his lifelong companion, Maria C. Sanchez; his daughters, Valerie and Joycelyn; and his grandchildren Jennifer and Joshua. He is also survived by brothers, Henry Clark and William Archer, as well as by Paul and Thomas Wagner, and numerous friends and colleagues. A visitation will take place 6-9 p.m. Thursday, March 22, 2007, at Gonzalez Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am. Friday, March 23, 2007, at Incarnation Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Clearwater, Fla. Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia Society of America. Arrangements were entrusted to Gonzalez Funeral Home 7209 N. Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33614 (813) 931-1833

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Published by TBO.com on Mar. 22, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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Joy B.

March 17, 2025

Another year without Dad. I wondered why it never gets better, then I realized it just won't get better. All there is are memories- and it feels like I dont have enough of them to make things feel any better. We're up to 5 great grandkids now: In order of appearance Victoria Marie (8), Olivia Rose (7) , Shiloh David (4), Natalia Grace (2) and the amazing James Allan (1). Joshua honored his grandfather with a namesake- Another reason for him to be proud of the legacy he left behind. Everything I am -at least the best parts of me- are because of Jim Barrow. He was stern and sophisticated, humorous and quick-witted, smart and intelligent- gracious and sophisticated. I think he kept most of his thoughts to himself, but if you knew him you could read between the lines. I knew him. He often showed me those spaces between the lines- but i think he didn't want me to know i was seeing that space. I loved him for the silent way he had of sharing himself with me. I will never stop missing him. I will never get past this loss. I am desperately clinging to every single memory i can find. He will always be here. I just miss him so much...

Joycelyn Barrow

March 16, 2023

It's been many years since any new posts have appeared here. People must move on with their lives and choose to remember the people they've loved and lost in different ways. I get it. So I am going to post here for posterity. Dad was not a big fan of technology- I think he finally retired because he didn't want to learn the phone system. He laughed when I told him that but I believe there was just the slightest ounce of truth to it! But one day, technology will lead his great grandchildren to this website, and they will seek to learn a little more about their mom's "G-PA" - as she would refer to him. It's 2023: Dad now has 4 great grandchildren: Victoria Marie, Olivia Rose, Shiloh David and Natalia Grace. I know he would have LOVED them. I know he would have loved their names. I know he would have talked incessantly about them.
His Grandson, Joshua , went on to a successful career in the Marine Corp, earning awards, becoming an instructor, traveling the world, protecting our Embassy abroad, excelling in martial arts.. and as well, a natural on the keyboards. He married a kind soul and a beautiful person, Krystyna. Dad would be beside himself with pride.
His granddaughter, Jeni- She was always so smart and Dad would have totally approved her her choice of partner, Justin- just a super amazing young man. She has been growing her career since graduation from college and is now a leader in her industry- sought after by the most prestigious companies to loan her expertise; She's talented, graceful, and downright classy: Dad would likely take all the credit for that.. (haha).
He'd be pleased to know that his "number 3 child" as he referred to me, continued to land on her feet- and that incredibly after all these years, I am finally wearing that blue uniform. He's with me every day- sending me his "smart" vibes. He's with me when I commute to work, when I feel challenged, when I feel down, when I feel lonely or confused. My dad will ALWAYS be with me in everything and everyone I love. I will never stop missing him, I will never stop feeling sad when if I remember that I can't call him. I will always smile when I think of the moments he and I spent together- he wasn't the outward, overly affectionate type- but when he did have his own way of showing love - especially during the quietest of moments. Im glad I understood that about him. And finally, I hope that one day if or when the great or great great grandkids find this page on their internet search, it sheds some light on who they came from.

JOYCELYN BARROW

August 26, 2018

Dear Friends and Loved Ones,
Please reach out to me. I would love to know how everyone is doing. I can be contacted by email at [email protected] or Facebook at joy bjoy.
Dad still lives in our memories and I'd love to hear from you.

Mark Jimerson

March 28, 2007

Dear Maria and Family,... I remember Jim quite well from my days as a FOA there in Tampa,... When you and I last talked in the old Tampa Office you spoke so warmly of him, about his generous spirit and love of life. It was just as I remembered him. In part it was I who brought you two together. Who would have known when I conducted your Background Investigation that you and Jim would meet as you did?
Jim Barrow was an true legend in the FBI. He will be fondly remembered and missed always.

March 25, 2007

Catherine Holley and Barbara Olsen

Cathy Holley and Barb Olsen same as above

March 25, 2007

Once upon a time, there were two white chicks, lets call them Cat an Barbo. One day, the two chicks showed up at "JB's" front steps in masks and snorkels with flippers, after scuba class. Amazed and amused, JB invited the two chicks in for post scuba libations. The rest is history. We loved the man because he always was there for us. He was our best friend and mentor. He would tell us the good and the bad and we knew that it was the truth.

Cathy Holley and Barb Olsen same as above

March 25, 2007

Once upon a time, there were two white chicks, lets call them Cat an Barbo. One day, the two chicks showed up at "JB's" front steps in masks and snorkels with flippers on our feets, after scuba class. Amazed and amused, JB invited the two chicks in for post scuba libations. The rest is history. We loved the man because he always was there for us. He was our best friend and mentor. He would tell us the good and the bad and we knew that it was the truth.

Quentin Olwell

March 25, 2007

Dear Maria and family,

I had not seen Jim nor any of my other classmates since 1955. Only recently has contact been reestablished in anticipation of the 4/20 reunion this year.

Sadly, at a time of great joy looking back at my high school years for the first time in decades, I learn of Jim's illness and passing.

Happily, the memories are sweet. Now that the old images of him have been relit, I doubt they will fade. Jim is in my prayers.

Peace and blessings,

Quentin Olwell
Cathedral Prep, '55

Donald Newman

March 24, 2007

I was a classmate of Jimmy's for 2 years at Cathedral before deciding to pursue other avenues. Since I went to another high school I was a new guy in the College and Jimmy welcomed me in his quiet way and treated me with respect. He was a great basketball player and I enjoyed our moments on the court together. Although I lost touch with him over these past 50 years I still remember him well and will keep him and the family in my prayers. May he rest in peace.

Donald Newman
Palm Coast, Florida

Susan Gill

March 23, 2007

Dear Maria and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jims death. I remember meeting him years ago and instantly liking him. I know that David felt the same way. He will be missed but will be in so many of the FBI memories.
With sincere sympathy and prayers,
David and Susan Gill
Orlando, Fl.

John H. Courtney

March 23, 2007

Dear Maria and Family:
I heard about Jim's death from Rich. I have not seen him since high school. I remember many lunch hours and after school playing handball. He was really good. Much love.
John H. Courtney

Elizabeth Rodriguez-Brownlee

March 22, 2007

Dear Maria and family,

I was so sorry to hear of JIm's death. I had not seen him since one of his many retirement parties in Newark. He was a great person and a great agent. He helped many of us, female agents, to know what really worked in the office. We had great " get togethers" with other agents and members of the community. JIM helped the new agents alot; and he was a kind hearted and sincere person.
The FBI lost a great agent and those new agents who were assigned to Tampa lost a great friend and mentor.
May the Lord give you and your family strength and comfort during these days, but know he was a person many of us admired and respected because of his honesty and love for life and others.
Your friend,
Elizabeth Rodriguez- Brownlee

Doug deWolfe

March 22, 2007

Maria and family,

I did not work with Jim, but was acquainted with him through the Society of Former Special Agents. He was a personable and genuinely decent human being in every sense of the word. My wife and I will keep Jim and you in our prayers. Yor have our sincerest sympathies.

Merceda Chandler-Cherry

March 22, 2007

To one of my best and long time frineds, you'll be missed by many.

Russ Wood

March 22, 2007

Maria and Family:
I sadly regret learning of Jim's passing. Jim was a good man and good friend with a great sense of humor and a booming laugh. Jim often shared his love of classic jazz with tapes of Thelonius Monk, Oscar Peterson and other jazz greats. A consummate interviewer, Jim was always willing to help out on tough interviews and cases. On cross examination in a major Tampa public corruption trial, Jim's immediate response to counsel's intense questioning of his team's execution of the search of a local pol's office desk for bribe money broke up the tense courtroom drama with open laughter from USDCJ George Carr, the jury, gallery and defense/govt tables. It snapped the tension...the defense counsel is now USDCJ Richard Lazzarra..who clearly recognized that Jim was not the witness to badger....All defendants were convicted in no small part to Jim's involvement. I recall good times with Jim in Tampa, but when on the racketball court, none had a stronger kill shot off the back wall....a crackling rollout almost every time.

May he rest in eternal peace.

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