John Vastine Barger

John V. Barger III ("Jack") lived a life of laughter, exploration, and love for his family. An entrepreneur by heart and lover of international travel, he pursued a life connecting with other cultures, people and ideas. He was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend, and faithful cheerleader for his family and children's friends. He was born in Charlotte, NC to loving parents (John and Claire) and lived and attended school in Mooresville, NC. He then attended The McCallie School, a college preparatory school for boys with a military emphasis in Chattanooga, TN. Following graduation, he participated in a summer program called The Experiment in International Living where he lived with a family in Japan. It was on this experience where he met his future wife, Sharon Fishel ("Sherry") from Columbus, OH. He then went on to attend North Carolina State University where he displayed his infectious optimism and leadership by running for student body president as a write-in candidate and won. His term of service in that role came during a tumultuous time in our country's history with many protests to the Vietnam war and Jack's leadership was celebrated due to his work with the university chancellor and board of governors. Following undergrad, he attended and graduated from the Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville, TN. After practicing law for a number of years in Columbus, OH and diving into a real estate development venture, Jack joined his father (John) and brother (Rick) into full-time international business ventures, and then later on his own as founder of Barger International. Jack's strong entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit led him into business in Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Portugal, England, Japan, and many other spots. He and his loving wife, Sherry, truly considered themselves citizens of the world and enjoyed living internationally with their children and experiencing the cultures of Egypt and Portugal during the formative years of their kids lives, and contributed to knocking the Berlin Wall down as a family in 1989. He also enjoyed investing in the Columbus community as a long-time member of the Upper Arlington Rotary Club and as an active member of First Community Church. He also cherished his role as a mentor and advisor to students at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Jack loved to deep sea fish and the visit the ocean. His quick wit, infectious laughter, and ability to stay optimistic in crisis were a few of the attributes that people loved about him. The final years of his life were filled with many medical challenges as well as losing his wife to cancer. Still, his smile and laugh was present even days before his passing. His greatest joy was being a father to Jennifer, Jason and Michael and was a creative and optimistic supporter every step of the way. He was eternally grateful for the unconditional love of his parents, John and Claire Barger. His life will be continuously celebrated by his younger brother Robert "Rick" Barger (Harriet), his children, Jennifer (Mike) Salvati, Jason (Amy) Barger, and Michael (Carolyn) Barger; and his extended family and precious grandchildren who adored their "Bop." His spirit will continue to inspire all with optimism and adventure. A special service of memory will be held on Friday, October 27 at 5:30 PM at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212. The family will host friends at a reception after the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to the operating fund of First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212 or the UA Rotary Foundation designated to the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE), PO Box 12013, Columbus, OH 43212. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com .