James grew up in Beaumont and attended South Park High School and Lamar University. On August 13, 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, Elva Rosine Hicks, and together they raised 3 children. James was a well-educated man who was firm in his beliefs in the Lord. He loved to travel and was blessed to live in England with his family while he worked in the North Sea and France. He enjoyed seafood and even won an oyster eating contest in Anahuac, Texas. On March 20, 1993, he married Irene Anita Matlock (Ana). He enjoyed a good challenge and kept his brain active during retirement by doing consulting and working his Sudoku puzzles daily.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Elva Rosine Hicks; father, Willis Mark Barrett, Sr.; mother, Euna Audrey Hargraves; brother, Willis Mark Barrett, Jr.; sister, Jewel Elaine Barrett; and daughter-in-law, Diane Elaine Barrett.
He is survived by his son, Steven Mark Barrett and his wife, Vickie; son, Wesley Earl Barrett; daughter, Donna Gayle McMurrey; granddaughter, Corey Elizabeth Titcomb and her husband, Andrew; grandson, Steven Madison Barrett and his wife, Christine; and 3 great-granddaughters, Gracen, Aubrie, and Elise Titcomb. He is also survived by his wife, Irene Anita Matlock; her daughters, Anabeth Fournet; Pat Teague and her husband, Dale; Katie Smith and her husband, James; Susie Mayhew and her husband, Paul; and 8 grandchildren.
James was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and loved him. A service will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 11:00 am at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, located at 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas 77703, with burial to follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnmpfh.com for the Barrett family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in James' honor to the American Heart Association.
