James Barcus

James Barcus, age 80, of Gun Barrel City, Texas died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. He was born January 15, 1943, in Jefferson County, Ohio; a son of the late Walter Howard Barcus and Sarah Elizabeth Barcus.

Jim was a 1960 graduate of Conotton Valley High School. Later in life he earned an associate degree in business administration from Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas.

He was employed by Irwin Steel in Canton, Ohio, was a partner in R&J Irrigation in Dallas, Texas, Shenango in Dover, Ohio, Simonds Cutting Tool in Newcomerstown, Ohio, Yankee Wire Cloth in West Lafayette, Ohio, Southwest Forming in Athens, Texas, JPI Real Estate Holdings in Dallas, Texas, and B-Calm Acres in Malakoff, Texas from which he retired in 2015. Jim was a man of diverse interests, at different points in his life, and he ran several businesses of his own, including TV tower installation, landscaping, and appliance/refrigeration repair. 

Jim delighted in charming those he met with his humor and disarming demeanor, a play on words, a cheerful comment about the day, or whatever he thought would bring a smile.  “Pop” as he was known to many, never met a stranger.  He was quick to start a conversation with absolutely anyone, always leaving them better than he found them. 

He was a great advocate and practitioner of hard work, inspiring those he worked with to bring their best effort. He coached his son’s baseball teams, always with supportive enthusiasm. The most valued treasure in Jim’s life was his family. This was made clear to every family member in every interaction with him. Jim also took great pleasure in not only helping those he saw in need, but those in need who would not ask for help.

His wife, Vicki Lynn Taylor Barcus, survives. They were married October 21, 1995, ultimately sharing 40 years together. Also surviving are two sons and their wives: James H Barcus Jr, and wife Dr. Sydney Anne Barcus and Steven Henry Barcus, and wife Elizabeth Anne Kensek; granddaughter: Sophia Dylan Grace Barcus; two sisters: Sandra Barcus and Bonnie Steiner; and a sister-in-law, Debra Ann Taylor. Because of having a large family, Jim also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and “adopted” family members.

He was preceded in death by siblings: Amos Barcus, Patty DuBose, Emilena Brown, and Helen Brown. 

There will be a Celebration of Life for Texas friends and family on Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the VFW hall in Seven Points, Texas located at 209 Veterans Lane, Seven Points, Texas 75143.

A time of visitation for Ohio friends and family will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Koch Funeral Home, 216 S. High Street, Freeport, Ohio 43973. A second Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. also in the funeral home with Peggy Milliken leading the service. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery on SR 800 South from Freeport toward Sewellsville in Belmont County, Ohio. (GPS directions: 71765 Hendrysburg Freeport Road, Piedmont, Ohio 43983)

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jim’s favorite charity: East Texas Food Bank at https://www.easttexasfoodbank.org/donatenow

There is also a memorial messaging service where friends and family are encouraged to leave a voice message of a story or anecdote of an interaction with Jim.  To access this service, call (888) 518-7126.

Koch Funeral Home, 216 S High Street, Freeport was entrusted with the Ohio arrangements. Online condolences may be made on their website: www.kochfuneralhome.net

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