of Tyler, TX
February 29, 1924 - July 14, 2021
Dr. James F. Barham, age 97, of Tyler, Texas, formerly of Havana, Yell County, Arkansas, passed peacefully at home on July 14, 2021. He was born February 29, 1924, in Conway, Arkansas to the late Horace P. Barham and late Lila Beatrice (Carter) Barham. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Ina Kay (Parks) Barham, his parents, and two brothers, H. P. Barham and Robert Oliver Barham. As a leap year baby, he celebrated 24 ¼ actual birthdays during his long and blessed life.
Foremost in his life, he was a Christian. He struggled, like everyone, but firmly believed in the expectation of Christ's promise of everlasting life. Dr. Barham preached the Gospel of Christ since the early 1960's, in various churches in Arkansas and Oklahoma and baptized many souls into the Body of Christ. He was the preacher at the churches in Havana, Waveland and Danville, among others.
He proudly served as a pilot and flight instructor in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, flying P-51 fighter aircraft.
Dr. Barham graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from State College of Arkansas (now U.C.A.) in 1948, and earned a Master's Degree in education from East Texas State Teacher's College in Commerce in 1957. He continued his studies in the field of education and earned a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from East Texas State Teacher's College at Commerce (now Texas A & M at Commerce) in 1969. He was a proud Razorback fan until his last breath, though, if they weren't playing Arkansas, he rooted for Texas A & M.
Dr. Barham touched many lives as an educator during his 45 plus year career, where he served in public school administration as principal and superintendent, and as a college professor and dean and administrator in several colleges in Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. When he retired from the field of education in 1995, he accepted appointment as a Deputy Sheriff of Yell County until he again retired at the age of 75 years.
He is survived by five children, Michael D. Barham and wife Laurie, of Tyler, Texas, James Patrick Barham and wife Gail, of Snead's Ferry, NC, Kelly F. Barham and wife Angie, of Waveland, AR, Richard Kevin Barham and wife Tania of Charleston, AR, and Karen A. Crawford and husband Samuel of Tyler, TX. He is survived by fifteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and two expected great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m., on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Western Yell Church of Christ in Havana. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Owen Yandell and Rev. Phil Hancock with burial in Scott Cemetery under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris.
Pallbearers will be Larry Gray, Cody Gray, Andrew Gray, Zachary Parks, Terry Don Cobb and Darrell Cobb.
Honorary pallbearer will be Joe Fisher.
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18 Condolence(s)
Scott Breed
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Sorry to great of your loss, but Praise God that he had a long and full life. I pray for God's peace to the whole family and that memories of James Barham bring a smile to the face of all that loved him.
Jan Faulkner
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Kevin and Tyler, I am so sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. May you find peace in wonderful memories with him.
Coy Rush
Monday, July 19, 2021
Very sorry I enjoyed the class we had together. He was a very nice person.
Michael Lloyd
Monday, July 19, 2021
Keven
So sorry for your loss . Prayers for you and your family.
Nykole Vance
Sunday, July 18, 2021
Kayla and family-
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort and love during this time. Papa Jim was a sweet and dear man. His legacy will on through his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Sending prayers.
Bob Barham
Sunday, July 18, 2021
Uncle Jim,
You meant the world to me and I will miss you dearly. I will miss our monthly conversations and how you could always make me laugh. You were like another dad to me and you’ve always been there for me. Rest easy, and give our love to dad and our other family members in Heaven. See you on the other side.
Bo & Lee
Allisen and Charlotte Penn
Sunday, July 18, 2021
Kevin, Tania, Tyler, and Jordan:
We are so sorry about the loss of your father and grandfather. Our love and prayers go with you as you celebrate and remember his life.
Allisen and Charlotte Penn and Mattie
Michele Rowe
Friday, July 16, 2021
Kevin, I'm sorry for your loss
Jewell White
Friday, July 16, 2021
Kevin, Im sorry for the loss of your father. Sounded like he had a full life. That is a good memory. God bless you all.
Jason Phillips
Friday, July 16, 2021
My deepest sympathies for the loss of such a good man, educator and friend to many. I extend the love and heartfelt condolences from the Phillips family to the Barham family. Kelly, Kevin, Karen and the rest of the family will be in our prayers in the upcoming days
Leigh Ann Frederick
Friday, July 16, 2021
Kevin I am so sorry for your loss and Tyler and Jordan's also. He sounded like a great man.
Kyle & Karen Potts
Friday, July 16, 2021
Kevin & Family,
We’re very sorry for your loss.
We’ll keep you in our prayers.
Kyle & Karen
Mary countryman
Friday, July 16, 2021
Your family is In our thoughts and prayers.you are a legend
Patsy Herndon
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Kevin, so sorry to hear of your dad passing away. 97 what a wonderful full life he had. Prayers for you and your family.
Lisa Etzkorn
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Kevin,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all.
Pat & Lisa
Paula McCaulley
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Kevin and family so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. What a wonderful 97 years of life he lived . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fred and Paula
Danny Wilks
Thursday, July 15, 2021
So very sorry to hear this Kevin and Tyler. Prayers for all of your families.
Mickey and Rob Oates
Thursday, July 15, 2021
Dear Kevin and family:
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May you treasure your memories. Prayers for tamily amd friends.