Bonham, Texas -- Lieutenant Colonel James B. Barr, USMC, Retired, a veteran of the Vietnam War and resident of Bonham, Texas passed away on January 5, 2022 surrounded by family. James was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 8, 1941. After completing his primary and secondary education, he attended University of South Carolina and was conferred a degree in Marketing. After which, James accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from his flight school first in his class.

During his 22 years of service in the Marine Corps, he completed two tours in Vietnam, which included over 500 combat and medevac missions as a helicopter pilot. For his valor and flying, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Action. Specifically, “His flight was instrumental in successfully supporting the medical evacuation of seventy casualties that day. By his courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Barr upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.”

During his time with the Marine Corps, James would visit 5 continents. During brief conversations about his time served he would always take a moment to honor those who gave their life and those that have and currently “Stand Watch.”

After his Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps, James worked at Digital Equipment Corporation supporting Government contracts and then at USAA as a Certified Financial Planner. At the conclusion of his career, James retired in Arizona. Upon the birth of his first-born grandson, James relocated to McKinney, Texas.

Active in the local country western dancing groups, James met Beverly, his wife. He described his first interaction with Beverly, “It was electric!!” Married July 25, 2020, James and Beverly spent much of their wedded bliss dancing, caring for farm animals, enjoying road trips through the United States, and driving with a local BMW car organization.

James survived by his wife, Beverly Barr, son, Joseph and his wife, Kimberly, and grandchildren Sarah, Jackson, and Parker. Brother, John and his wife, Kate and Niece, Elizabeth Barr.

A service held in his honor will be at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home Bonham, TX on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. Bro. Big John Salem will officiate. Interment will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in James’ name to:

Fannin County Children’s Center, 112 W 5th St, Bonham 75418 or Salvation Army; website is salvation armyUSA.org.

To convey condolences or sign an online registry please visit www.coopersorrells.com.