James was born on January 21, 1936, in Vardaman, MS, to Mr. James Allen Barker and Mrs. Carris Alexander Barker. James graduated from Vardaman High School and enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard on February 13, 1964. He retired with 41 years of service.
James was a member of Brandon Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. He was also a former member and deacon of Westview Baptist Church in Jackson, MS. He loved serving his country in the Army National Guard and serving in his church. He also loved the friendships that both built. Even though he never owned one himself he loved tractors. But most of all he loved his family. On March 3, 1982, he married Ms. Susie Moore the love of his life.
Mr. Barker is preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Barker; sisters, Janie Mitchell and Sarah Blalock; and grandson, Joseph Anthony Barker.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 43 years, Susie Moore Barker; sons, James Anthony “Tony” Barker (Elizabeth) of Mendenhall, MS, and Stan Gray (Cindy) of Perry, GA; daughters, Virginia Case (Jerry) of Brookhaven, MS, Susan Hearn (Vernon) of Lena, MS, and Joan Booker (Steve) of Orange Beach, AL; grandchildren, Lindsey Mast (Justin) of Anchorage, AK, James Kennedy of Fairchild AFB, WA, Houston Alexander Case of Ridgeland, MS, Carris “Addie” Case of Louisville, KY. He also leaves behind 7 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 02, 2025, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, MS. A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in the chapel. A graveside service will take place at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, MS on Friday, October 03, 2025, at 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or a charity of your choice.
