Obituary for James Barrick Jr.
James F. Barrick Jr. passed away at home on April 9, 2021 in East Orange, New Jersey. He was 75 years old.
Also known as “Jim” or “Barry” to his family and friends, James was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the only child to his loving parents James F. Barrick Sr and Elizabeth (nee McCain). As a young child, he spent a few memorable years with his parents in Japan where his father was stationed with the U.S. Army. From that experience, he developed a love of Asian culture and, especially, Asian food that lasted throughout his life.
Jim graduated from Camden High School and attended the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where he graduated with a Bachelors’ Degree in Political Science. While at A&T, Jim was a member of Scabbard and Blade military fraternity, and was on campus during the 1969 Greensboro uprising, a meaningful experience for him.
Also, while at A&T Barry met Elsie “Lois”, a Bennett Belle from the college next door. They married shortly after graduation and from that union came their son, Jason, and daughter, Jillian. He loved his children and was very proud of them.
For most of his adult life, Jim’s identity was his work. Jim spent his professional career at a number of jobs, but his greatest pride was his long career in sales with Xerox. During his time with the company, he earned President’s Club honors many times and was at one time the #1 company salesmen in the country. At Xerox, Jim met his best friend, Calvin, as a trainee and they quickly became thick as thieves. In return for sharing his knowledge of sales techniques, Calvin shared his love of photography and, in addition to enjoying time at Calvin’s photo studio, Jim could often be found with his giant camera bag at important family events.
While not hard at work, Jim enjoyed playing sports. After a few years playing baseball, Jim spent most weekends for many years playing touch and flag football. Playing on many different teams over the years including the Raiders, the Express, and the Falcons to name a few, he enjoyed playing quarterback and hanging out with the guys after games at the Peppermint. His teammates remained some of his closest friends even after they all hung up their cleats.
After retiring several years ago, James returned to his love of pool, a hobby he spoke fondly of from his childhood in Camden and enjoyed competitively in recent years, complete with a custom pool cue to suit his oversize frame. They say he was quite the hustler on the table.
Jim enjoyed having a good time. But most of all, Jim liked what he liked and lived his life in his own way.
He is survived by his children, Jason and Jillian Barrick, his former spouse, Elsie “Lois” Barrick, his half-brother James Markham, and numerous relatives, friends and loved ones. He will be missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 11am to 12pm at Caggiano Memorial Home, 62 Grove Street, Montclair, NJ 07042 followed by a Memorial Service at 12 Noon. The Memorial Service may be viewed remotely through Zoom Meeting ID: 865 2816 7586; Passcode: 550044.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the United Negro College Fund.
Also known as “Jim” or “Barry” to his family and friends, James was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the only child to his loving parents James F. Barrick Sr and Elizabeth (nee McCain). As a young child, he spent a few memorable years with his parents in Japan where his father was stationed with the U.S. Army. From that experience, he developed a love of Asian culture and, especially, Asian food that lasted throughout his life.
Jim graduated from Camden High School and attended the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where he graduated with a Bachelors’ Degree in Political Science. While at A&T, Jim was a member of Scabbard and Blade military fraternity, and was on campus during the 1969 Greensboro uprising, a meaningful experience for him.
Also, while at A&T Barry met Elsie “Lois”, a Bennett Belle from the college next door. They married shortly after graduation and from that union came their son, Jason, and daughter, Jillian. He loved his children and was very proud of them.
For most of his adult life, Jim’s identity was his work. Jim spent his professional career at a number of jobs, but his greatest pride was his long career in sales with Xerox. During his time with the company, he earned President’s Club honors many times and was at one time the #1 company salesmen in the country. At Xerox, Jim met his best friend, Calvin, as a trainee and they quickly became thick as thieves. In return for sharing his knowledge of sales techniques, Calvin shared his love of photography and, in addition to enjoying time at Calvin’s photo studio, Jim could often be found with his giant camera bag at important family events.
While not hard at work, Jim enjoyed playing sports. After a few years playing baseball, Jim spent most weekends for many years playing touch and flag football. Playing on many different teams over the years including the Raiders, the Express, and the Falcons to name a few, he enjoyed playing quarterback and hanging out with the guys after games at the Peppermint. His teammates remained some of his closest friends even after they all hung up their cleats.
After retiring several years ago, James returned to his love of pool, a hobby he spoke fondly of from his childhood in Camden and enjoyed competitively in recent years, complete with a custom pool cue to suit his oversize frame. They say he was quite the hustler on the table.
Jim enjoyed having a good time. But most of all, Jim liked what he liked and lived his life in his own way.
He is survived by his children, Jason and Jillian Barrick, his former spouse, Elsie “Lois” Barrick, his half-brother James Markham, and numerous relatives, friends and loved ones. He will be missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 11am to 12pm at Caggiano Memorial Home, 62 Grove Street, Montclair, NJ 07042 followed by a Memorial Service at 12 Noon. The Memorial Service may be viewed remotely through Zoom Meeting ID: 865 2816 7586; Passcode: 550044.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the United Negro College Fund.