James E. Poppi Barber

BARBER, James “Jim” Edgar Barber - James E. Barber, age 96, died on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 from complications as a result of a car accident on Friday, October 7, 2011. Jim was born on Friday, September 10, 1915 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to the late Mary Elizabeth (McColl) and Edgar Barron Barber. On June 14th 1952 he married Katherine Richardson Frankish in Toronto, Ontario. Together they had five beloved children. Jim is survived by his five sons Robert (Toronto, ON), Thom (Bloomfield Hills, MI), Jim (Anne) (Bettendorf, IA), Douglas (Sheri) (Appleton, WI), and Bruce (Toronto, ON). He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: James, Paul, Margaret, Robby, Emily, Blake and Ella. Jim was predeceased by his wife Katherine (Bobby) and sister Elizabeth (Betty). Jim grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, and attended Alex Muir and Central public schools with his sister and numerous first cousins. After grade 8, he attended Trinity College School (TCS), in Weston and Port Hope. For Grade 13, he attended University Toronto Schools (UTS), and was on the winning Ontario Football Championship team. He attended Queen’s University at Kingston, and graduated in 1940 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mining Engineering. After graduation he worked in northern Manitoba in mining until he enlisted in the Canadian Army. Jim proudly served in Europe from 1944 until 1946. After returning to Canada, Jim worked in Wawa and subsequently in Sault Ste. Marie for Algoma Ore Properties, a division of the Algoma Steel Corporation, retiring in 1977 as General Manager. Jim had a deep understanding of his faith. He exemplified principles of Christian community, serving as the Peoples Warden, and was a key fundraising leader after St. Luke’s Pro-Cathedral was destroyed by fire. Poppi, as he was known to his family, enjoyed many things – but family was number one! He spent many years at the family island (Birch Island) in the Bay of Islands since he was 10. Many friends and relatives would visit him and Bobby, along with the boys, and many a fishing story was had and told. Jim and Bobby also enjoyed traveling, and visiting places all around the world. But in the later years, he would make numerous trips to see his sons and grandchildren, wherever they might be! In the last 16 years, Cynthia Pinder, and her daughters Alyssa and Isybee were there to help Poppi out, while he often returned the favor - whenever his family was away. The Barber boys are so grateful to the Pinder’s friendship not only to Poppi, but to the entire Barber family. Dad & Poppi: Thanks for all the lectures and speeches you gave all of us! We really did listen and we will all promise to follow what you taught us. We will always cherish your fantastic breakfasts, your love of the outdoors, you’re golfing with all of us, and especially we will always remember all the good times that we spent together. You're the best Dad & Grandpa we could ever have had, and we'll miss you forever. Friends will be received for the visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2011, at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. A Funeral Service for Jim will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at St. Luke’ Cathedral, 160 Brock Street. The Very Reverend James McShane officiating. Memorials can be directed to St. Luke’s Cathedral or Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH).