James Russell Barrow

James is survived by his son, Mark Barrow, of Houston, TX. James is preceded in death by his wife, Meryl Frances Browne-Barrow, of Palestine, TX.

James was born on July 26th, 1940 in New York, New York to Claude and Ellen Barrow. James married Meryl, his college sweetheart, in 1967. After moving back to New York, he began working for his family and eventually opened Pan-Pan Restaurant in Harlem, New York with his business partners, Aubrey Foster, Nathaniel Harvey and his oldest brother, Benjamin Barrow.

Pan-Pan eventually became a Harlem landmark, frequently visited by well known New Yorkers like author Alex Haley, Sean “P-Diddy” Combs and Mayor David Dinkins. Alicia Keys used the restaurant as the backdrop for her “You Don’t Know My Name” video. As the restaurant gained popularity in New York, the partners decided to open a second location in Durham, North Carolina, which gained the same level of popularity and was the location that James eventually retired from.

His dedication to the success of the business was reflected in all aspects of his life, he and Meryl raised one son, Mark Barrow, and although he didn’t pursue his father’s career in restaurants, James’ work ethic and commitment to excellence was an example that he followed to success in the oil and gas industry. He spoiled his grandchildren, Khyli and Nadia Barrow, like any grandfather does, and they spoiled him just as much in his final years, taking him out to eat and enjoy movies every chance they got. His time with us was a template for the success that follows hard work and perseverance both in business and in life itself. He will be missed.