James Emmett Barbre

James Emmett Barbre napped peacefully into his glory on April 8, 2026. Born August 6, 1939, in Anderson, Indiana, he spent his 86 years loving his people well, sharing his talents, working hard, and serving his family and his Lord.

Continuing Jim’s legacy are his wife of 66 years, Ruth (Barr) Barbre; daughters Janet Norton and Andrea (David) Henkle; grandchildren Corey (Sarah) Henkle, Olivia (Robert) Bell, William (Rachel) Norton, and Lindsey Henkle; and four great-grandsons. Already waiting for Jim are his parents, Velma (Pritchard) Barbre Spangler Barbre Ginns and Omer Barbre; his brother, Orlan (Bo) Barbre; and his beloved canine sidekick, Nester.

Jim was a 1957 graduate of Anderson High School where he was active in the music program, including Choral Club, Orchestra (viola), Madigrals (with Ruth), and his super hip ensemble, The Four Jaguars. Following high school, Jim attended DePauw University to pursue a degree in music but then decided to pursue Ruthie instead. After a failed elopement attempt, the couple married properly in the church on September 5, 1959. They stood strong beside each other through the thing’s life throws at us all in one way or another. Ruth was by his side as he puckered up for his final kiss before meeting his Lord.

Now for the back story, Jim attended Indiana University Medical Center, graduating as a Radiologic Technologist. He then served in the United States Army from 1962, through 1967, in a combination of active duty and active reserve roles. Turns out the conclusion of the active-duty portion of his service was smack in the middle of the Cuban Missile Crisis, so that was tense.

From his active-duty discharge in late 1962, until 1966, Jim put his degree to work in a clinical setting, serving as Chief Technologist in several hospitals and clinics. In 1966, he moved into the commercial aspects of radiologic technology, where he remained until his retirement. Not one too shy away from a challenge, he started several successful radiologic companies in Indianapolis, Chicago, and Fort Wayne, evolving each to match the rapid advancement of technology from film to digitalization.

Although he did not pursue a career in music, it remained a great love for him. He used his beautiful vocals to delight and bless many through the choir at Christ’s Church at Georgetown, where he and Ruth were members for decades, by joining with dear friends to form the ever-popular Georgetown Singers, and through his many touching solos. If you were ever fortunate enough to hear him sing The Lord’s Prayer or O Holy Night and feel his melodies touch your soul, you know.

Music - and Ruth - weren’t his only passions, after his final, final retirement in 2017, or so (turns out leaving a career is harder than he thought) Jim enjoyed what can only be described as a voracious volunteer career with Three Rivers Visiting Dogs, Inc. Jim and his noble canine companion, Nester, made hundreds of visits over many years to nursing homes, student centers, and hospitals, delighting shut-ins, calming students during exams and providing a welcome distraction during stressful medical treatments. These visits brought both Jim and Nester great joy and great purpose.

Since we girls are writing this, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention what a great dad Jim was to his devoted daughters. The poor guy never even had a sister and had to navigate a house of women, which he did with great love, protection, and humor. He navigated Easy Bake Oven “cakes”, Barbies, dance recitals, original theatrical productions in the living room, proms, and father-daughter wedding dances like the champ that he was. He delighted in his girls and beamed even brighter when grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren came along.

We are grateful to have had him with us as long as we did; it was only through his sheer grit, fierce devotion and a hint of stubbornness that we did. We are also grateful and rejoicing that he is restored and reunited with those who have gone before him.

For those who are able, Ruth and the girls would love to share stories and memories of Jim (Dad) on Friday, April 17, 2026, with visitation from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and a remembrance service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home. Private committal and burial at Highland Park Cemetery.

Three Rivers Visiting Dogs would gratefully receive donations in Jim’s honor. Three Rivers Visiting Dogs, Inc., c/o Bob Bergeron, 4802 Crawford Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46845