Memorial

In the presence of his wife and daughters, James “Jim” Barry concluded a life well lived on November 26, 2024. While he will be missed and remembered always, his wife and daughters find comfort knowing his trademark whistling will be echoing in the hereafter. Jim was an amazing man who lived a blessed life. If you knew him, you loved him and if you know the four women that he supported and kept happy throughout his life, you were in awe of his patience and superhero-like abilities.   

Jim came into this world on March 22, 1951, on a Holy Thursday in Anaconda, Montana. He was born to Thomas Barry and Irene (Borgen) Barry. He attended St Joseph Elementary and Anaconda Central High School before graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Carroll College. Upon graduation, he began his long career with Weyerhaeuser Paper Company where he met the love of his life Sally (Schurr) Barry in an elevator on a rainy Saturday. Sally and Jim were married on October 26, 1974, in Seattle, Washington. With promotions and career advancements, Jim and Sally worked their way around the United States, having babies and making dear friends in Florida, Oregon, and Iowa where they eventually settled.    

Mr. Barry loyally served Weyerhaeuser Paper Company/International Paper Company for 43 years until his retirement in 2019. He was the General Manager of corrugated plants in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Austin, Minnesota. He was a well-loved, dedicated, and respected leader for the company.   

Jim was a true family man and enjoyed spending time with his three daughters and attending his grandchildren’s events. He had a special way with babies as they were drawn to his loving smile and happy-go-lucky nature. Jim was active in golf leagues for years and loved his fishing trips with his best friend, Steve. Jim was usually reserved, but when he did speak it was always a message worthy of attention or a dad joke that would surely make you laugh.   

Jim and Sally were parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids for nearly 30 years. His faith life was extremely important to him and he committed a lot of time and sacrifice to his church community.   

Jim is survived by his sweet wife of 50 years Sally, and his adoring daughters; Molly (Wes) Nielsen of Marion, Amanda (Jon) Fry of Cedar Rapids, Betsy (John) Staak of Iowa City; his loving grandchildren: Micelea, Ameriz, James, Oliver, Beatrix, Maryjane, and Jack; his brother John (Theresa) Barry of Portland, Oregon, and many nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Irene, brothers Kevin and Will, and mother-in-law Ingrid. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Bickford of Marion and St. Croix Hospice for their attentive care to Jim in his final years and days on Earth. 

Funeral Mass will be held at All Saints Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids at 10 am on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Luncheon will follow in All Saints Parish Hall with interment later in the day at Cedar Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Take Away Hunger Cedar Rapids (takeawayhungercr.com).