A man truly dedicated to his faith, Rev. James W. Barrett, 89, of Troy, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, November 12, 2015, from the Skilled Nursing Unit at Towanda Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.
He was the loving husband of the late Elizabeth M. (Booth) Barrett who passed away on October 18, 2007. The couple married on August 25, 1952 and had 55 happy years together.
Rev. Barrett was born on January 2, 1926 in Blossburg, son of the late Rev. and Mrs. Owen C. and Flora (Briggs) Barrett. He was an East Smithfield High School graduate, class of 1938. Jim was a graduate of Mansfield University and Drew Theological Seminary, and was a US Army veteran, serving his country in the Philippines during World War II and was in the occupation force in Japan after.
After Seminary Rev. Barrett pastored churches in Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Wayne Counties in New York and then the First United Methodist Church of Troy. After retirement he and Betty stayed in Troy and became members of First United Methodist.
During his time in Wayne County Pastor Barrett became a deputy sheriff and was a hospital chaplain in many of the area’s hospitals. Jim’s hobbies included sailing, camping, fishing and hiking.
Rev. Barrett is survived by his son David O. (Wendy) Barrett, Ontario, NY; daughter Elizabeth M. (Layton) Kingsley, East Smithfield; grandson Eric M. (Crystal) Barrett, Williamson, NY; great grandchildren Corbin and Alexis Barrett, and niece Georgia Barrett-Ensminger. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, his brothers Seymour and Allen Barrett, and his nephew Norman “Butch” Barrett.
The memorial service to honor Rev. Barrett’s life was held November 16, at the East Smithfield United Methodist Church on Church Street in East Smithfield. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Troy, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations be made in Rev. Barrett’s memory to the United Methodist Church of one’s own choosing.
Send Condolences at: VickeryFuneralHome.com
