James Barrett

May 27, 1938 – September 12, 2026

James Barrett, lovingly known by many as Jim, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on May 27, 1938, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, James eventually made Carrollton, Texas, his home, where he built a life centered around family, love, hard work, and generosity.

James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Josephine Barrett, and his son, David Barrett. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Barrett Kelley; his granddaughters, Peyton Kelley, Hunter Kelley, Devyn Kelley, and Kydalyn Vasquez; and his great-grandchildren, Liam Hernandez, Aurora Rodriguez, Ella Rodriguez, and Lexi Hernandez.

James retired from Southwest Airlines after a long and dedicated career as a flight simulator technician. He was a hardworking man who believed in providing for the people he loved. He never needed much for himself. He would gladly live with the bare minimum if it meant making sure his family had everything they needed and wanted. His generosity was not simply something he possessed—it was one of the greatest ways he showed his love.

A man of few words, James was an even better listener. He was patient, steady, and always present. Living in a home surrounded by girls, he somehow managed to be endlessly patient, loving, and supportive through it all. He didn’t always have to say much because his actions spoke for him.

And he showed up.

He showed up for every violin lesson, every school performance, every taekwondo lesson, every horse camp performance, every after-school pickup, and every doctor’s visit. He was there—not because he had to be, but because that was simply who he was. If his family needed him, James was there.

He loved learning new languages, listening to Spanish music, playing pool, and, most of all, spending time with the people he loved. He found joy in the simple moments and created memories that his family will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

James may have been a man of few words, but his life spoke volumes. His family knew they were loved because he spent a lifetime proving it through his actions. He gave his time, his patience, his strength, and everything he had to the people he loved.

There are no words that can properly express the loss of such an extraordinary man. To his family, James was not simply a Dad/Grandfather. He was everything and more.

His absence will leave a space that can never be filled, but his love, his lessons, his generosity, and the countless memories he created will live on through every person he touched.

He showed us what it means to love without asking for anything in return.

He taught us that being there matters.

And he gave us a lifetime of reasons to be grateful that he was ours.

Forever loved. Forever missed.

May he rest peacefully, reunited with those who went before him, and surrounded by the love he spent his life giving to others. Until we meet again.