James Allen Barker

James A. Barker, 74, of Columbus, passed away on May 1 after a 7-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Beloved husband of 52 years to his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Barker (nee Ketchum). Loving father of Joseph Russell Barker (wife Jennifer) of Pewaukee, WI and Sarah Barker Greenberg (husband Aaron) of Columbus, OH. He was adoring “Pops” to Jacob and Collin Greenberg and Tommy, Morgan and Will Barker. Born in Rushville, Indiana and raised by his maternal grandmother Artie Alexander, he was preceded in death by his parents, John Lee Otis Barker and Maxine Alexander Wright.

Jim earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and worked in the IT field during his career, spending several years at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio before starting his own software development business.

His friends will remember him for his unusual birthday – April 1 – of which they never forgot and which was fodder for great office parties and strange gifts.

Family will receive friends at the Schoedinger Funeral Home at 6699 N. High St. in Worthington, OH from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 11am on Thursday, May 11, 11am

Private interment will take place at Arlington East Hill Cemetery in Arlington, Indiana.

The family request those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to: The National Church Residences Hospice at https://www.nationalchurchresidences.org/donate/ , Purdue Foundation, Computer Science Department. With a note stating “ In memory of James A. Barker”, and sent to Dauch alumni Center, 403 West Wood Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, or to the Kemper House Worthington at https://kemperhouseworthington.com/donate/ .