James K. Barker

James K. Barker, 65, of Champion Township died Monday morning, April 16, 2007 at his home with his family by his side after a courageous eight year battle with lymphoma. Born in Warren on June 26, 1941, James was the son of the late George A. and Clara E. (Platt) Barker. Jim was a graduate of Niles McKinley High School. A lifetime area resident of the Niles and Warren areas, he retired in 1999 from RMI Titanium in Niles where he worked as a pipe fitter for 34 years. He was of the Christian faith and attended the Leavittsburg Church of God. Jim was an outdoorsman, an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed traveling, antiquing, dining with friends, ATV four-wheeling and playing with his two dogs. Most of all, he loved his family. Jim will be sadly missed by his loving wife Lorretta (Herald) Barker of Champion Township whom he married November 26, 1988, his three children, Lori (Lee) Mason of McDonald, Penny Barker of Salem, and James D. (Isabel) Barker of Bristolville, three step-children, Robert Coakley of Warren, Karen (Joseph) Loske of Ravenna, Sandra Dickey of Farmington, his siblings, Donna Rogers and George (Barbara) Barker Jr. both of Niles, Helen (Thearl) Boggs of Vienna, and “Fritz” (Don Cooley) Barker of Ravenna, 18 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Jason R. Barker and stepson Bill E. Coakley. Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 19, 2007 from 6 to 9PM at the Roberts-Clark Funeral Chapel and also Friday morning from 10 to 11AM at the Leavittsburg Church of God. The Rev. Byron Powers will conduct a funeral service Friday, April 20, 2007 at 11AM at the Leavittsburg Church of God. Burial will be held in the Champion Township cemetery. Material contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the memorial fund at the Leavittsburg Church of God or to Forum Health at Home Hospice