James Barber

James Lewis Barber, age 86, of Ellsworth, Michigan passed away on April 13, 2026.

Born on September 18,1939 in Detroit, Michigan, Jim lived a life dedicated to education, service, and helping others find their voice. He married Prudence Barber on July 14, 1962, and together they raised a family grounded in love, learning, and community.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7855 Rogers Road, East Jordan, MI 49727. Light refreshments will follow at the church.

Jim graduated from Michigan State University in 1962 with a B.A. in Communications. He went on to earn an M.A. from Denver University in 1965 in Communication Methodology. In 1980, he completed his Ed.D. at Northern Illinois University in Curriculum and Instruction.

His work spanned decades and touched countless students, families, and colleagues. He worked professionally as a teacher at the Michigan School for the Deaf in Flint, MI, as a Director of Speech and Language Services at the Dixon State School in Dixon, IL, as a Professor of Speech and English, the Director of Community Services, and the Assistant Dean for Adult and Continuing Services at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, IL.

Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Prudence (Henshaw) Barber and his children Michelle (Barber) Guerra and husband, Joe and Jim Douglas Barber and wife, Deb. He is grandfather to Elena (Guerra) Jones and husband Ben, Laura Guerra, Nicolas “Hutch” James Barber, Caden James “CJ” Barber, Leonard Saidi, and Gloria Saidi. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Lewis Barber and Bessie Barber and his sister Judith (Barber) Coon.

He is also survived by niece Sandy Coon, husband Bill and their children and grandchildren as well as his niece Casey Coon and her children and grandson. He is survived by other extended family including cousins with whom he spent many summers on the farm in Alpena, MI. Additionally, Jim is survived by his in laws Merrie and Chris Corbett and their children and grandchildren, and Becki and Roland Thompson and their children and grandchildren. Throughout Jim’s life, he actively participated in service organizations including the Jaycees, Lions, Toastmasters, and the Elks Clubs. Like his parents and sister, he was a lifelong member of the Masons. While a resident of Dixon, he also served as a City Councilman. Jim found joy in singing in the church choir at Immanual Lutheran Church in Dixon and the Madrigals Choir at Sauk Valley College. Jim’s teamwork with Prudy in developing and improving their lake property in Michigan was a strong priority for him. During his retirement Up North, Jim loved family visits and gleefully recited both classic and silly poetry from memory to his grandchildren. If he was not outdoors, his passions included reading, watching musicals, viewing episodes of Dr. Pol or learning about loons or other types of birds. Starting as a child, he always had pet dogs and “loved on” his extended family’s pups throughout his entire life. Jim was the number one fan club member of Prudy’s artwork. He supported her with constructive criticism, by setting up paintings at art shows, and by going with her to galleries. Jim cherished yearly fishing trips “Up North” in Michigan or to Canada with dear friends. He also looked forward to annual gatherings at “Deer Camp” and hunting outings. He and Prudy thoroughly appreciated international travel. They relished those memories for years afterwards. During winter months, they deeply appreciated their beach home in Florida on Little Gasparilla Island with special friends.

Jim’s life was defined by service — to his students, his community, and most of all, his family. He was honored to leave the legacy of lake property in Antrim Country to his family. He will be remembered for his kindness, his steady leadership, and the way he made others feel seen and heard.

In lieu of flowers please consider, memorial donations to:

A) www.Paddleantrim.com (Foundation that supports Antrim County Water Resources)

B) www.helpfrommyfriends.org (Pet Crisis Center in Antrim County)

C) The Almoner’s Fund(Charitable Foundation for Masonic Bellaire Lodge), Make checks payable to: Guy Dewitt, 6515 Stoney Lane, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes,com