James Howard Barcus Sr.

James Barcus, age 80, of Gun Barrel City, Texas died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. He was born January 15, 1943, in Jefferson County, Ohio; a son of the late Walter Howard Barcus and Sarah Elizabeth Barcus.

Jim was a 1960 graduate of Conotton Valley High School. Later in life he earned an associate degree in business administration from Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas.

Jobs: Irwin Steel (Canton, OH) R&J Irrigation (partner) (Dallas, TX) Shenango (Dover, OH) Simonds Cutting Tool (Newcomerstown, OH) Yankee Wire Cloth (West Lafayette, OH) Southwest Forming (Athens, TX) JPI Real Estate Holdings (Dallas, TX) and B-Calm Acres (from which he retired in 2015) (Malakoff, TX). A man of diverse interests, at different points in his life, Jim ran several businesses of his own, including TV tower installation, landscaping, and appliance/refrigeration repair.

Jim delighted in charming those he met with his humor and disarming demeanor, a play on words, a cheerful comment about the day, or whatever he thought would bring a smile. “Pop” as he was known to many, never met a stranger. He was quick to start a conversation with absolutely anyone, always leaving them better than he found them. He was a great advocate and practitioner of hard work, inspiring those he worked with to bring their best effort. He coached his son’s baseball teams, always with supportive enthusiasm. The most valued treasure in Jim’s life was his family. This was made clear to every family member in every interaction with him. Jim also took great pleasure in not only helping those he saw in need, but those in need who would not ask for help.

His wife, Vicki Lynn Taylor Barcus, survives. They were married October 21, 1995, ultimately sharing 40 years together. Also surviving are two sons and wives: James H Barcus Jr, and wife Dr. Sydney Anne Barcus; Steven Henry Barcus, and wife Elizabeth Anne Kensek. Grandchildren’s names: Sophia Dylan Grace Barcus. Siblings: Preceding Jim in death were Amos Barcus, Patty DuBose, Emilena Brown, Helen Brown. Surviving him are sisters Sandra Barcus and Bonnie Steiner and sister-in-law, Debra Ann Taylor.

Having a large family, Jim also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and “adopted” family members.

A time of visitation will be held in Koch Funeral Home, 216 S. High Street, Freeport, Ohio 43973 on Monday April 10, 2023 from 5–8 pm.

A Funeral Service / Celebration of Life service will be held also in the funeral home on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 11 am, with Peggy Milliken leading the service. Graveside will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, State Route 800 South near Hendrysburg, Ohio.

Koch Funeral Home, 216 S High Street, Freeport was entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made on their website: www.kochfuneralhome.net

There will also be a Celebration of Life for Texas friends and family on Sunday, March 26, from 1-4 pm at the VFW hall in Seven Points, TX, located at 209 Veterans Ln, Seven Points, TX 75143

There is also a memorial messaging service where friends and family are encouraged to leave a voice message of a story or anecdote of an interaction with Jim. To access this service, call (888) 518-7126.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jim’s favorite charity: East Texas Food Bank at https://www.easttexasfoodbank.org/donatenow/