James Barrett

James Franklin Barrett, 83, of Kimberling City, MO. departed this life journey April 14, 2017. Mr. Barrett was born Sept. 3, 1933 in Concordia, KS. son of Donald Bernard Barrett and Francis Agnes (McGinnis) Barrett. James (JB) joined the United States Air Force, and served in the Korean War upon graduating from Turner High School, Muncie KS, in 1951. JB started his career in Kansas City, MO as an electrical engineer. His pioneer spirit moved him to the Reeds Spring area in the early 70's as the new Table Rock Lake began to bring entrepreneurs to the Ozarks to settle and seek their fortunes. JB was an instrumental part of the development of Kimberling City along with John Q. Hammons, and a host of other forward thinking pioneers. He developed land holding on Joe Bald Road, creating the first housing subdivision with all underground utilities and worked for several years with his father and several local gentlemen to make Joe Bald Road a ‘real road'. He was also an author and long time historian of the Table Rock Lake area. Many of his research papers and novels about the Ozarks and its' history are housed in libraries throughout the area including Springfield Public Libraries, Drury, College of the Ozarks, Taney and Stone County libraries and his favorite, the Kimberling Area Library. He wrote a historical column for the Stone County Gazette for many years and traveled, through the auspices of the Missouri Council for the Arts, depicting Joseph Philibert and telling stories of the early settlers to our beautiful Ozarks area. JB is also known for his photo collage' "Overshadowed". It is a meld of historical pictures of the Kimberling City Bridge and the original bridge below it. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Donald Bernard II and John Edward Barrett. He is survived by is wife and soul mate of 37 years, Vicki (Sherer) Barrett, two children: Francene Yvette (Barrett) and husband Kelby J. Ayres, Branson West, MO, James Scott Barrett and wife Dana, Kansas City, MO. Two step children: Randy Thamm and wife Denise, Shell Knob, MO, Greg White and wife Tamara, Nixa, MO. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Tannifer, Zachary and Zebediah Ayres. Brandon, Britton and Cameron Thamm. Kylie Heim and Victoria White. Four great-grandchildren; Kyle, Kalei, Alana and Jett. Papa Jim will always be in the hearts of his family. The many friendships he developed throughout his 53 years of research and writings about his beloved Ozarks made his life journey one he was always glad he traveled. A graveside service will be held Monday, April 24, 2017, 12 noon with military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 Southwood Rd., Springfield, MO 65804. Friends and family are invited for fellowship and sandwiches at Villas at Copperleaf, 305 Peachtree Dr., Nixa, MO 65714 following the service. Memorial gifts can be made to the Kimberling Area Library, P.O. Box 730, Kimberling City, MO 65686.