James William Barrett Sr.

He was born in Louisville, KY on August 13,1960 to the late William and Sherrill Jean Barrett. A diesel mechanic by trade, he worked hard his entire life doing what he loved. Out of high school, he served four years in the United States Navy and was able to travel the world. He retired from TARC in 2015 as the Director of Maintenance after 31 years of service. Upon his retirement, he went back to work for Lextran until 2022. Hardly a day passed that he was not in his garage with a tool in his hand, tinkering with an engine or working on someone’s vehicle. After all, he was everyone’s “Mr. Fix-it”.

He enjoyed his cold Bud Lights, cheering on his Cincinnati Bengals and Kentucky Wildcats, bowling in various leagues, hitting the slot machines in Las Vegas, an afternoon on the golf course or out fishing, and cracking a good joke. His sense of humor made it impossible to be sad when he was around.

By far, his greatest joy was his large family. Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, his high school sweetheart and wife of 40 years, Penny Barrett; his three sons, EJ (Sara), Jamie (Lizzie), and Andrew (Katie); and seven grandchildren, Laila, Eddie, Bailey, Sophie, Eli, Will, and Corbin. Also left to cherish his memory is sister, Yvonne Stich (Nicky); brothers, Robert, and John (Nancy) Barrett; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by sister, Regina Miller, and brother, Thomas Barrett.

The family wishes to extend our thanks to Hosparus for their support and care during this time.

Visitation will be held from 3–7p.m. on Thursday April 7, 2022, at Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village Funeral Home, 7410 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40222, with a memorial service at 6:45 p.m. To honor Jimmy’s wishes, cremation was chosen.