James Robert Barr

James “Jim” Robert Barr, 86, of Martinsburg passed away Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, at UPMC Altoona.

He was born in El Dorado, Altoona Nov. 22, 1935, son of the late Henry Clayton Barr and Elizabeth A. (Hartman) Barr.

On June 28, 1969 he married Linda L. Young at the United Methodist Church in Martinsburg.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Linda; three sons: Michael D. (Cathy) Barr of Apex, NC, Joseph M. (Laurie) Barr of Plum Borough and Matthew G. (Nicole) Barr of Mountain Top; five grandchildren: Shannon, Elizabeth, Michael, John and Julia; a brother, Charles R. Barr of Martinsburg; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by four sisters: Dorothy A. Geist, Helen E. Petee, June Marjorie Shope-Whetstone and Pauline G. Banks.

He graduated in 1954 from Morrisons Cove High School in Martinsburg.

Jim served in the United States Army from 1958 until 1960, working as a stevedore on the U.S.S. Sagita, traveling up the Atlantic Coast.

After his service, Jim opened a shop in Martinsburg, where he printed log books for use by airline pilots. He then began his career for the United States Postal Service, working as a clerk in the Martinsburg office for 30 years.

He retired in 2000 and enjoyed many hobbies, especially gardening and canning. His specialty was dill pickles but he also canned beets, stewed tomatoes, grape juice, and sauerkraut. Jim delighted in sharing these goods with friends and family.

After the harvest, fall was Jim’s favorite time of year as he enjoyed hunting and football, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State Nittany Lions. Jim was proud that all three of his sons were Penn State graduates and they frequently attended games together.

Family was everything to Jim and being a father and grandfather were his greatest joys. He loved traveling to visit his sons and their families. He was a wonderful Grandpa and his grandchildren are left with so many memories of fun times with him from the massive Easter egg hunts he staged on his lawn to his annual fireworks displays and cookouts.

Jim was an active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Martinsburg, where he sang in the choir and was a member of the consistory. He was also active in community organizations, such as being a member and past president of the Martinsburg Lions Club.

A funeral with military honors was held Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Martinsburg. Pastor Betty J. Royer officiated. Private interment was held at Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be given to St. John’s UCC, 117 E. Julian St., Martinsburg, PA 16662.

Arrangements by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg. (www.bolgerfuneralhome.com)