James Robin Barrick

James Robin Barrick passed away on November 6, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. He is survived by his beloved life partner, Tammy Thompson, his twin sons Luke and Ryan Barrick, and his sister, Sarah Lea Barrick.

Born in Nashville, Rob attended Montgomery Bell Academy and received his Bachelors in Engineering and Masters in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University, where he also served as an adjunct professor in the School of Engineering for eleven years.

Rob spent his forty-eight working years at Smith Seckman Reid Consulting Engineers, and was CEO for thirty-two years. After he retired, he served as a board member for SRF Consulting Engineers, Minneapolis, MN; Lee Industrial Contractors, Detroit, MI; Environmental Health and Engineering, Boston, MA; and EOSYS Controls, Smyrna, TN.

An engineer by training and nature, Rob loved home construction projects and rebuilding old cars. He was an avid fly fisherman and golfer. He was proud that his sons shared his passion for the outdoors and fly fishing and chose to become fly fishing guides in Colorado and Wyoming.

Known for his understated, down to earth wisdom and his wonderful sense of humor, Rob was the always dependable, unflappable person, enduringly faithful to his many friends and family and church community. For years he quietly served as the sacristan and assistant at the 8 a.m. Eucharist at Christ Church Cathedral. He was a dedicated Centering Prayer practitioner.

Rob served on several non-profit boards, including STARS Nashville, the Nashville Food Project, St. Mary’s Sewanee, Adventure Science Museum, and American Consulting Engineers Council. He founded Mobile Loaves and Fishes in Nashville with three high school friends in 2007, which three years later became the Nashville Food Project, preparing 1700 meals a week for the homeless and other non-profit organizations.

In lieu of flowers donations may be make to STARS Nashville and the Nashville Food Project.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Tuesday, December 2nd at 3:00 p.m., with visitation at 2:00 p.m.

Christ Church Cathedral

900 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203