James Barber
James Howard Barber, 91, of Fairbury, NE, passed away August 21. 2023, in Fairbury. He was born March 21, 1932, to Ray and Edith (Wilson) Barber in Fairbury.
Jim grew up in Fairbury and attended Fairbury High School except for one year while living in Loveland, CO. His senior year, he met the love of his life, Carol Schnuelle. On Easter Sunday, March 25, 1951, Jim and Carol were married. He joined the Marines and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, CA, then Camp Lejeune in North Carolina where their first child, Pam, was born. In 1954, he was honorably discharged. Jim and Carol returned to Fairbury to join the family furniture business, Barber Furniture. In 1976, he and Carol purchased the business. They started another venture in 1985 when they opened and operated the Courtyard Square Restaurant in Fairbury.
Jim and Carol raised four children on a small acreage raising pigs, chickens, and dogs. Jim was active in the Fairbury Methodist Church, Fairbury Elks Lodge, Ducks Unlimited, Jefferson County Hospital Board and served on many community projects.
He was an outdoorsman. His passion was hunting and fishing. Family was important to Jim as he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed family trips to Colorado, Wyoming, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest. He spent many summers salmon and halibut fishing in Alaska. Traveling to Australia, Hawaii and Mexico were special trips. In later years, he and Carol wintered in Texas and Florida.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Edith Barber, brother Jack Barber.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of Fairbury, brother, Robert Barber, Buckeye, AZ, daughter Pam (John) Jones, Luck, WI, sons Terry (Annette), Lincoln, NE, Kevin (Lori) and Kent (Jennipher), Fairbury. Eleven grandchildren and 14 Great-grandchildren.
Services will be Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Fairbury. The family will greet friends Friday evening from 6 – 8 at the Funeral Home. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com
