James Barr, 80, of Monroe, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 9, at Methodist Church in Monroe. His celebration of life will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 10, at Monroe Methodist Church. Memorials have been designated for Grace Fellowship Church, Des Moines.
James Owen Barr was born July 3, 1943, to Owen and Esther (Miller) Barr, in Newton.
James attended country elementary schools and graduated from Monroe High School. He then attended Buena Vista College where he played baseball for the BV Beavers. James graduated with a teaching degree.
James was united in marriage to Connie Lou Nolin, and to this union four children were born: Shawn, Kimberly, Rebecca, and Jennifer.
James began his career as a school teacher and coach in the BGM School (Brooklyn, Guernsey, and Malcom). He spoke fondly of these years of teaching and coaching basketball, track, and softball. Eventually, he went into insurance sales and had a successful 40-year career.
James was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and served on the State of Iowa Camping Board for several years.
James enjoyed sports and the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed mushroom hunting, golfing, searching for Indian artifacts, and following sports – especially high school sports. He loved his family and particularly enjoyed participating in outdoor activities with them.
Those left to honor James’ memory are his children: Shawn (Delana) Barr, Kimberly (Tim) Beard, Rebecca (Steve) Woody, and Jennifer (John) Kramer; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Ron Barr.
James was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Lavon Dunkle.
