James "Jim" Barker, Jr.

James E. Barker, Jr., “The Instigator”, age 89, of Winston-Salem, passed away peacefully Monday, November 15, 2021, at his home. He was born October 14, 1932, in Louisville, KY to his parents James Barker, Sr. and Julia Barker. He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife of 60 years, Alma Rose Barker; one son, Gary E. Barker; a grandson, Joshua York and his brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Janet Carlin. Jim is survived by his son, Kevin Glenn Barker of the home; his daughter-in-law, Julie Barker and her son, Andrew Johnson of Greensboro; four nieces and a granddaughter, Katrina Barker of Hamptonville, NC. Jim grew up in Louisville, KY, graduating from Louisville Male High School and the University of Louisville, Engineering School. He served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years, finishing his time as a Plane Captain in the Mediterranean. After a chance meeting with his wife, he married and began his career in Louisville, KY with Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. He was transferred to Winston-Salem, NC in 1970 as the Branch Engineer. After 32 years of dedicated service he retired to begin his long awaited life of enjoyment with his wife and family. He traveled the world with his wife and numerous friends. He loved his time on the golf course; believing a bad day on the course was better than a good day at work. Jim always loved to tell everyone about his hole in one. He was a long-time member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for over 35 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years. Jim worked with the Boy Scouts where his two sons obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. To gain his long-standing title of “The Instigator” he was always known for “Stirring the Pot” with his family, his friends and acquaintances. Finally, it should be noted that among all of his accomplishments throughout his long life, Jim was always known for the love he had for life, family and friends, but most of all his wife, Alma. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 22, at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 21st at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.