James "Jim" Alan Barrett's Obituary
James “Jim” Alan Barrett, 86, of Germantown, Tennessee, passed away on September 19, 2025. He died surrounded by loved ones, befitting a loyal, loving man whose family was the center of his world. Jim’s life was exceptionally well lived, filled with many accomplishments and adventures.
Born on November 5, 1938, in Lexington Kentucky, to the late Dr. Arthur Bever (A.B.) Barrett and the late Margaret Baker Barrett, Jim graduated from Texas Christian University and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He had a long, successful career as Regional Sales Manager for James River Corporation. Following his retirement, Jim enjoyed a second career working with his wife, Sharron, at their glass studio, Barrett Glass. The couple created glass art and traveled the country to art shows with their work. Jim considered this period one of the happiest of his life. During this time they traveled to Siena, Italy to pursue an in-depth study of glass art.
Jim enjoyed many other interests. Among his favorites were traveling to the Blue Ridge Mountains with his family and fishing with his brother, the late Arthur “Art” Bever Barrett, Jr. (Meredith), on the Gulf Coast. Jim was admired by friends and family for his gentleness, humor, dependability, friendliness, and his ability to speak knowledgably about an immense range of subjects – and for his ability to cook the most delicious smoked ham, which was a favorite holiday tradition in his family.
In addition to his parents and his brother, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Olga Heilman Barrett, in 1981, and their beloved daughter, Christine “Christy” Elizabeth Barrett, in 1988. He leaves his son, James Alan Barrett.
Jim married Sharron in 1983, and he became a second dad to her children, Andrew “Andy” Timothy Hopper (Mary Jane Credeur) and Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Seguin (Kevin), five grandchildren: Miles Seguin, Will Seguin, Samantha Hopper, Cassandra Hopper, and Jack Credeur. Jim’s absence will be deeply felt by the many friends and family members who loved him.
His wisdom, friendliness, steadfastness, strength, and resilience touched many lives and his memory will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Those who wish to visit with Jim’s family to share condolences are invited to attend Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to express their sympathy through a donation are encouraged to donate to the charity of their choice, or to the Mayo Clinic’s Cardiology program at https://Give.MayoClinic.org.
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