Barry James, 74, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 at Marshfield Medical Center following a brief illness.  Born in Freeport, IL, Barry graduated from Warren High School and received his Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University.

Barry enlisted in the United States Army in October of 1967 and served in both Vietnam and Germany. He was a Life Member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Barry spent most of his life living in Apple River, Illinois. After his retirement from Merkle, International, Inc. in Galena, Barry and his wife Barbara moved to Central Wisconsin.

Barry enjoyed many hobbies and interests over the years. He was a pilot and also built and flew radio-controlled planes and drones. He designed and built a variety of things…..from buildings to intricate wooden gear clocks and kinetic sculptures. Barry spent many earlier years crafting his pottery.

Barry holds several U.S. patents developed while at Merkle, International, Inc. and also received an award for an invention he designed while serving in Vietnam.

After his move to Wisconsin, Barry acquired and learned to appreciate a variety of John Deere implements and vehicles that helped him with lawn care, snow removal, gardening and general grounds' maintenance at the property he called Cariput.

Barry is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Barbara (Holub); his brother William (Linda) James; two nieces: Julie Modjeski (Gary Hunt) and her children Nathan, Mitchell, Leah and Kallie Modjeski and Jennifer (Chris Martin) James.

He is also survived by his cousins James (Edith) Ford, Mary (Jim) Kuhn and their families; and special friends- Justin, Andrew (Melissa), and Robert Warner and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Irene (Brinkmeier) James and his cousins Gloria (Brinkmeier) Young and Cheryl (Brinkmeier) Felckowski.

Due to COVID, a private graveside service is being held with burial at West Ella Cemetery.