James Weldon Barrett

JW is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Richard H. and Jane Barrett, daughter and son-in-law Felicya and Jeff Barrett-Horton and their children Elise, Luke, and Karley Horton (3-grandchildren), all of Bartlett, TN.

Felicya & Richard are his children whom he shared with former spouse Felicya (Besmer) Parsels.

JW is also survived by Richard Barrett's daughter Kelsi Barrett (granddaughter) of Bartlett, TN. Kelsi's son Jayce W. Owen (great-grandson). Richard's step daughter Brandy Lindsey (granddaughter) and her daughter Arianna Lindsey (great- granddaughter) of Lakeland, TN.

JW is survived by his brother Charles Barrett of Oakland, TN, nieces, nephews, and many close friends.

He was preceded in death by Widow Norma Barrett, Sister- Bonnie Lindsay and half-brother- Richard Barrett of Sacramento, CA.

James Weldon Barrett was born September 18, 1944 in Oregon to Mary and Richard Dudley Barrett.

JW was the oldest of three children. He had a younger brother (Charles Barrett) & little sister (Bonnie Lindsay).

The family eventually moved to Memphis, TN, where JW attended Westside High School in Frayser. JW was active in school, he played tackle for the football team, participated in speech club, chorus, and voted friendliest. JW graduated high school in 1963 & married Felicya (maiden name-Besmer) Parsels, in 1965. He was married for 21 years before parting ways in 1986.

JW worked at Lone Star cement company for 18 years and was able to retire early in 2005. During that time he met and married Norma McCain in 1987,

they were together for 14 years before her unexpected death in March 2001.

JW was an avid hunter, fisherman, and overall outdoorsman. He enjoyed growing & tending to his garden and sharing his harvest.

JW was a caring, hard-working, and respected man. He loved his country and family and was passionate about his beliefs.