James Barker

Jim Barker, the beloved husband of Virginia "Gini" Barker nee Crawford was born November 13, 1945. A lover of life and a man with bountiful energy, he died suddenly August 9, 2012 while pursing one of his many athletic pursuits. Jim was raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio while attending University School. He was a graduate of Colorado College and served in the US Navy following graduation. Upon completion of his time with the Navy he escaped to Monhegan Island as a sternman on a lobster boat and then began working in the family business, S. Barker Son's Company, in downtown Cleveland. After selling the business in 1995, he and his wife Gini changed course and started the Sweetbriar Suri Alpaca Farm in Burton, OH. He served as president of the Suri Alpaca Network and was passionate about breeding and showing his animals, his 70-acre farm, and his alpaca family up until the day of his passing. Jim and his family were members of the Holimont Ski Club in Ellicottville, NY where he served on the board of directors and ran the alpine race program for 16 years. He poured his heart and soul into Holimont and was an ardent supporter of the race team and his many friends. He loved to travel to Ridgeway, Colorado where he played in the mountains and attended the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, as music was another of Jim's many passions. He was a man who lived life to its fullest and was forever giving with a huge heart and warm smile. He was an avid Cleveland Indians fan, passionate tennis and paddle player, loved to hike, run, bike, ski and skate, and was adored by his two grandsons. He was his daughters' biggest fans in their educational and athletic pursuits. Jim lived everyday with tenacity, the pursuit of happiness, a hard work ethic, and a positive attitude. A loving father, cherished husband, and dear friend, Jim extended his passion for living life to its fullest with all who met him. He was an inspiration to many and will be sorely missed. Jim was the beloved father of Sara E. Barker Elliott Swarthout of Ithaca, NY; Melissa S. Barker Justin Tamplin of Boulder, CO and Allison M. "Allie" Barker Jed Workman of Chickaloon, AK, the dear grandfather of Aidan J. and Morgan B. Swarthout, and golden retriever Leo. Jim was the brother of John S. "Jack" Barker Susan H. of Chesterland, OH and Florida and the late Raymond M. "Bud" Barker Sandra Barker Davis and the son of the late Margaret S. and Raymond M. Barker. Contributions may be made in his name to The Jim Barker HoliMont Racing Foundation, c/o HoliMont, P.O. Box 279, Ellicottville, NY 14731 or to The Western Reserve Land Conservancy, PO Box 314, Novelty, OH 44072. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, August 18th at 1 PM at Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118. FRIENDS MAY VISIT DURING CALLING HOURS AT BROWN-FORWARD, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH FRIDAY AUGUST 17TH FROM 6-8 PM.


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