James J. Barrett, Jr.

Jim Barrett, 85, of Park Ridge, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025. Beloved husband of Barbara Barrett. Devoted father of Amy (TJ) Johnston and Tim (Valerie) Barrett. Dear brother of Pat, Jane, Betty, Ginger, Kevin, and his predeceased sister Peggy. Loving grandfather of Billy, Anna, Ben and Gemma. Supportive uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Born in Teaneck, NJ, he was raised in Ridgefield Park, and he lived in Park Ridge for 46 years. Jim attended and was a devoted supporter of St Peter’s Prep in Jersey City. He then enrolled at Manhattan College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, majoring in French. He was proficient in many languages and used them comfortably during his travels. Jim was a Senior Systems Programming Manager and retired from UPS after 17 years. He served in the United States Army as a Specialist 5 in the Army Security Agency during the Vietnam Era. Jim was active in the Park Ridge community and was a long-time member of the American Legion Jedh C. Barker Memorial Post 153, serving as Commander from May 2013 through May 2015. He was also a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church for 45 years and served as an usher for much of that time.

Jim was a kind, witty, generous, and caring man; someone who loved words and their origins, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and spending time with his family. In his younger years he enjoyed traveling, especially in Europe, and loved reminiscing about his time in the military and the friends he made there. He was a great Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend. He will be missed immensely by all who knew him.

The family will receive their relatives and friends on Sunday, December 28 from 2-6 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. A Mass celebrating Jim’s life and faith will be held on Monday, December 29 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church, 2 Fremont Ave, Park Ridge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Center for Food Action, www.cfanj.org, or the Tri-Boro Food Pantry in Park Ridge, www.triborofoodpantry.org.