James M. Barry

James M. Barry, Sr., age 83, of Ellisville, Missouri passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on September 9, 1940 to Vincent and Lorraine Barry (nee Decker).

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Page Barry (nee Myers); loving children, Robin (Robert) Gerchen, Jim (Sally) Barry, and Jennifer (Garland) Hines; treasured grandchildren, Allison (Christian) Meyer, Robert Hancock, Alexandra Gerchen, Jean-Martin Gerchen, Jack Barry, Hannah Barry, Thomas Barry, Joseph "Vance" Watkins, Nicholas Watkins, and James Watkins; dear brother, Vince (wife Patricia survives) Barry; and a host of other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent Barry; and mother, Lorraine Barry.

According to Jim, he was the favorite child (I believe Uncle Vince might agree). He and his brother grew up above The Copper Kettle, a tavern his parents owned. He was a caddy at the local golf course and soon became very good at the sport. His love for golf continued throughout his life even in his waning days when his grandsons would come over to keep him company and watch golf on tv with him.

He attended Cincinnati Academy of Commercial Art following high school and soon landed a job at Maritz in St. Louis, while fulfilling his commitment as an Air Force reservist. It was at Martiz that he made lifelong friends – Tom Lavelle, Herb Rose and Rich Avett. He and Herb Rose went on to found Barry, Rose & Associates and from there he became the creative director at Herman Marketing where photography became his main focus.

His proudest freelance project was the creation of the City of Ellisville logo which is still used today.

In his younger years, he collected beer cans and was a proud member of the Beer Can Collectors of America. More recently, he enjoyed woodworking, especially turning bowls, carpentry and cabinet making, buying and reselling antique tools.

Of late, he was very proud member of the American Legion, Post 556.

Jim was well known by his family and friends for his very timely sense of humor, throwing in zingers when you'd least expect it. Granddad was also a wonderful, creative soul leaving behind beautiful gifts for his children and grandchildren including paintings, hand-turned wooden boxes, bowls, ice cream scoops and ink pens as well as furniture and cabinetry in our homes.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following charities:
Fisher House in St. Louis – www.fisherhouseinstl.org
Tunnel to Towers – www.t2t.org


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