Harry Roosevelt Barton

Jim was born on January 22, 1926 in Zanesville, Ohio to the parents of Harry R. and Mabel E. Barton, Sr. He married his next-door neighbor, Faith E. Bell, who preceded him in death.

Jim graduated from Lash High School in Zanesville, Ohio and went on to serve in the Navy, as a Signalman and Quartermaster in World War II, on the minesweeper The Quest. After being discharged and his marriage to Faith, he attended Ohio University where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the same year. Later, he pursued his Doctorate at Case Western Reserve.

His work experience was in education, training, investments, and industry.

He taught at East Liverpool, Margaretta and Huron School Systems. While teaching at Huron, he was a part of the football staff as an Assistant Coach, a Jr. High principal and an Assistant Superintendent.

He was Superintendent at both the Allen East and Clear Fork School systems. In industry, he became the Training and Safety Coordinator for Lima’s Ford Motor Company, and after retiring, he took an interest in investments, and worked as a stockbroker for Prescott, Ball and Turban in Lima. He also worked at Nationwide Industries Corp. as Employees Relation Manager.

Jim enjoyed sports, including football, basketball, golf, tennis and baseball. While attending high school, Jim had the pleasure to play basketball with one of his high school buddies, Fred Taylor, who later became The Ohio State University men’s Head Basketball Coach.

While employed at the Huron School System, Jim had the opportunity to coach Bill and Jack Armstrong. Bill would later go on to play center and linebacker from 1959-1962 for The Ohio State University’s Head Coach Woody Hayes.

Although Jim loved sports, Jim’s father, enjoyed Major League Baseball, and through a chance meeting, met Turk Reilly, a sales representative for Wilson’s Sporting Goods. Jim’s father built a true friendship with Turk, who introduced Jim and his family to outstanding MLB baseball players such as Lefty Gomez, CY Young, and Sad Sam Jones. All three major league baseball players frequented the Barton’s home where, Jim’s mother would cook for the three players when they were in Zanesville.

Community affiliations include: The Market Street Presbyterian Church, Lima Elks Lodge B.P.O.E #54, Kiwanis, the Northwest Center for Human Resources, Senior Success Program (Lima), Rotary, on the Board of Directors at Goodwill, V.F.W. #1275, and a member of Lost Creek Country Club.

Above all his accomplishments, Jim took great pride in the successes of his wife, Faith and daughter Debra’s accomplishments. Jim’s family was first and foremost, but his constant drive was to provide the best educational experience for his students and for those who crossed Jim’s path.

He will be sorely missed by family and friends, along with his smile, the laughter, that twinkle in his eye, and his unconditional love.

Survivors include a daughter, Debra, a brother-in law, Richard Bell, (Amy) two nieces Elizabeth Thompson (John), Martha Corrigan (John), a nephew Rick Bell, (Tammy) and Gene Bell. Jim is also preceded in death by numerous aunts, uncles, and in-laws, Harley E. Bell (Florence).

Visitation will be Friday, June 14th from 4-7 p.m. at Siferd-Orians Funeral Home, 506 N Cable Rd, Lima, OH 45805. A prayer vigil and military rights will be performed by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and by VFW Post 1275 immediately following at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to The Parkinson’s Foundation or to VFW Post 1275.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Siferd-Orians Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com