James Edwards Barry Jr.

James Edwards Barry Jr., 65, of Belleville, Illinois, passed away on June 25, 2025, surrounded by some of the most important people in his world. Born on July 5, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri, Jim lived a full and fiercely loyal life defined by devotion to his family, sharp wit, and unmistakable passion—for both the people he loved and the teams he cheered for.

Jim is survived by his children, James “Bj or Bud” (Angela) and Rachel “his Pooh Bear”, and his stepchildren, Greg (Tessica) and Clayton. He was a proud and playful Papa to the lights of his life, his grandchildren Charlotte and Harrison, the latter of whom carries his name. He is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Kathleen Barry; his brother, John; and his beloved wife, Rhonda, whose absence he felt deeply in his final years.

Jim wore many hats throughout his life—glazer, EMT, security officer, Hardee’s line cook, Schnucks butcher, radio DJ, medical billing specialist, Walmart produce man, and even (allegedly) a bartender in Texas. But his favorite roles were Dad and Papa. He had a quick temper and an even quicker sense of humor, and he loved hard. Whether he was trash-talking during fantasy football season, watching his St. Louis Cardinals with unwavering loyalty, or reminiscing about his perfect-season football team at Oakville High School, Jim never did anything halfway.

In the mid-1980s, while working at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Jim met Rhonda—and five seconds later, they were married. She already had two boys, Greg and Clay, and soon after came BJ and Rachel. From that day on, they were always Mom and Dad. They were always in love.

Jim sang his kids awake in the morning and made rotisserie chickens that could rival Schnucks or Publix. He called into radio stations when they didn’t know the lyrics, coached soccer games, attended every track meet and band concert, and even became the president of the band boosters. He TiVo’d college football games just to pause and find his daughter in the marching band. He went to Doobie Brothers concerts, watched Matchbox 20 on VH1 like it was a conspiracy, and filled his home with laughter, music, and love. His greatest joy came from being there for his kids—even when he didn’t always understand them, he always had their back.

He was in poor health for much of his adult life, but his grit kept him going through trials doctors said he wouldn’t survive. He never stopped showing up—for his grandkids, for his family, for life. A 2023 family trip to Disney World became one of his most cherished memories, and he spent recent years enjoying time with bonus grandnieces and a grandnephew—Harper, Tyler, and Arie—who brought joy and energy into his home.

Jim loved music. He had a soundtrack for everything—often Bruce Springsteen or Huey Lewis—and always had a speaker nearby. He loved Diet Pepsi, big TVs, Cardinals baseball, barbecue pork steaks, Gus’ pretzels, chili, banana pudding, and the sound of his granddaughter’s voice. He hated apples in Thanksgiving stuffing (but put them in anyway one year, and never lived it down).

His health struggles deepened after Rhonda’s passing a few years ago. They had nearly 35 years together. Losing her was his greatest heartbreak. But they’re together again now, and that’s the only part that feels okay.

A service will be held on July 12 at St. John’s UCC in Arnold, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a story, raise a toast to the Cardinals, or root hard for your fantasy team this season—just the way Jim would have wanted. And if you have a moment, say a kind thought or prayer for his granddaughter Charlie, who misses her Papa very much.

We’ll carry him with us—in every big laugh, every sarcastic comment, every cardinals home run, every oldies song, and in every family memory.

We’re glad you are with mom but wish we could watch another game and have another IHOP breakfast. We will love you and miss you Dad.