John Emery Barker

An Arizona native, Emery was born and raised in Phoenix. After graduating from North High, he moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. He earned an undergraduate degree in Philosophy followed by his JD. Among his many collegiate activities, Emery was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and in the Upsilon Alpha Chapter Hall of Fame. Emery was renowned for his inspired rendition of the ‘Exile’s Toast’ at the chapter’s annual Pig Dinner alumni gathering.

For more than 60 years, Emery was a respected gentleman lawyer, spending the majority of his career with Mesch Clark Rothschild. He was consistently recognized by his peers as one of Tucson’s Best Lawyers. He was known for his acumen, integrity, and professionalism. A trial lawyer to the end, Emery will be missed hustling through the halls of the courthouse greeting many by name and sporting his signature bolo tie.

Encouraged early on by his YMCA campership experience in the 1940s, community service was always important to Emery. He was President and an Honorary Life Member of the Metropolitan Tucson YMCA and a Director of the YMCA Foundation of Southern Arizona. Other community service included President of the Rotary Club of Tucson, President of the Pima County Bar Association, and President of the Southern Arizona Legal Aid Society.

Emery remained eternally grateful to Granny for introducing a hard-working 15 year-old bag boy to her granddaughter Jackie. Emery was so proud that he and Jackie became high school sweethearts, were married in 1956, and recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

Emery treasured his family most, and was treasured in return. He was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather. Emery and Jackie have children Mark, Craig, Susan, and Brett and grandchildren, Brendan, Melanie, Jake, Luke, Alison, Jack, and Bridget.

Gifts honoring Emery may be given to the YMCA of Southern Arizona at tucsonymca.org/give/donate, or the Emery Barker Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Rogers College of Law at give.uafoundation.org/emery.