Tim was one of my best friends through High School and beyond.  Last saw him when he stopped by my condo in East Lansing.  I remember the sweet convertible he had Senior year and all the laughs we shared.  Shocked at his passing and will miss his spirit.

He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

RIP buddy! 

I worked with John at POAM.  He was always helpful with a smile .  He was a nice man and very smart.  I will miss him.

Fond memories from the old neighborhood in Detroit. The BARR family were our next door neighbors on Ferguson. So sorry for your loss. Thelma and Gladys were best friends.
Suzanne Rizzo....Marie, Jimmy, Johnny, Louise and Suzanne Rizzo, parents John and Gladys.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Tim. I grew up next door to  the the Barr Family. We had some great times growing up on Ferguson in Detroit.  I knew him as Timmy Barr! 
My sincerest sympathy and   blessings to his family at this time. 
Marie Rizzo-Wohlfield

What a wonderful, tribute, to John ‘Sir’ Barr. I’ve read thru this, a few times., enjoyed, immensely, the photos!! What a wonderful person, John Barr! I meet him, at Kelly’s (son) wedding, the son, of my childhood friend, Donna Werner, John’s loving wife. ❤️  I read, each comment, enjoyed, every  photo❤️💔🇺🇸. Wow, so evident, John, loved being apart, of his loved ones, lives, .....made time, to be present! I’m so thankful, as, I believe, you will, see him again. Hugs and love, to all missing, John Barr, loved by so many. So very sorry. Jane McLaughlin Mack

John taught me all I knew when I began working at the DPOA office on the Grievance Committee.   He truly embraced me and taught me well.  He was my Dear Friend and Mentor.   John had called me in January and we had our normal long talks as we only spoke 4 or 5 times a year.  We always would ask about each other’s family and kept up with what was going on in our lives.  I AM GOING TO MISS JOHN WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL.  To his wife Donna:  Try and stay strong he is still watching over you and you will be okay.  To John’s children and grandchildren.   John always, always talked about each and everyone of you with LOVE, RESPECT and KINDNESS.   John was a good man. My Prayers go out to all of you.

I worked with John throughout my career as a DPD member.  First as a rookie police officer trying to win a grievance for tuition reimbursement and later as a Department Supervisor trying to resolve issues for his membership.
John always demonstrated the characters of integrity and honesty even if he disagreed with you.  It is heart warming to see he passed those skills to his son who is following in his father's large footprints.  
John you will be missed.

I worked with John at the 16th Precinct in Detroit. 
He was a very nice person and I respected him greatly. He was also a funny guy.
 I was among one of the first females,at 16.
He never gave me any grief, as others did. 
I'm so sorry that we lost him and will always remember him. Prayers for his family.

John was a great guy always friendly and was a very hard-working officer and union official

Tim and I were in the same class for 12 years: 8 years at St. Scholastica Grade School, then 4 years at the parish high school known as Benedictine High in NW Detroit.  Tim was known and enjoyed by all his classmates.  Tim often displayed his humor, putting sunshine in  a gloomy day.  He was a stand-out member of our class, and will definitely be missed.  May Tim rest peacefully in the loving  arms of Our Lord forever.

First met in Kalamazoo.  Remet, to our surprise, at Detroit Police Academy 1969.  
John was a good union man working for all of the members.  You will be missed my friend.

I worked alongside John for 10 years while I was on the DPOA Executive Board, and worked neighboring #14 while he was at #16.  John did more for the officers of the DPD than anyone I know, fighting the City for police officers rights and contracts.  RIP my brother, your reward in heaven is well deserved although it is early.  You will live on in our hearts and thoughts.  May God bless you John.

If you know my dad he spent countless hours watching his grandkids play sports. Even though I would be that parent yelling from the stands, he was there every week. He would always say “I’m not going to sit by you anymore if you keep it up.” Hours upon hours, whether it be one day a week or three days a week, he was there in the stands watching his grandkids play. We will miss the pointers and advice he would give the kids. He even traveled out of state to watch them. Also he would drive 45 minutes to watch a 2 minute performance. His family meant everything to him. I will miss him dearly but know we will see you again someday. I will miss seeing you on the sidelines. I know you will watch over us. Fly high until we meet again.

So many memories we have with Sir, he was a true blessing to our family. Our children were well loved by him and he was an amazing husband to their grandma and always made sure GiGi had what she needed and took care of her too. I'm sure there are big hugs going on right now in heaven.   Sir was one of a kind for sure and had so many stories to share.  He was my escort to the heidelburg projects so that I could do an assignment one year, I learned a little more about Detroit that day and a few stories. Forever in our hearts with so many memories to make us smile. Thank you Sir for everything, especially the ever lasting impression you left on Kevin and my children.  
Our thoughts and prayers go out to  all of your children , grandchildren, and all of your family,  and Donna.  We love you Donna. 
With much love, Wendy Kay


Thank you for your service from a fellow retiree

Thank You John, for your immeasurable service to so many Brothers and Sisters who have and do wear the Badge! You were one of the Go To Guys with questions or help solving a labor problem. Gone way too soon Brother, and the only solace is that your in HIS loving and protecting arms now. Save us a good spot if you can.

VITO

My grandpa always joked around and loved to put smiles on people’s faces. One time we went to a Coney Island with my grandpa and the hostess told him he could sit wherever he wanted to. My grandpa joking around pointed to a table with people sitting at it and said I want to sit there can you please tell them to move 😂 I’m not sure exactly what he said but it was along those lines. I’m going to miss all of his jokes but also all of the conversations about life we had. My grandpa was the most caring and loving person ever. Thanks for always believing in me. We all miss and love you so much. 💔 

Seeing John (aka Dan’s Dad) at the Livonia Orioles Football games.  Being the grandparents at these games are priceless.  The best memory was this past season when he set Dan up....telling the PA announcers that Dan was wishing all the ladies a Happy Sweetest Day.  Of course we all were like...how sweet was that....when Dan came to the bleachers we started thanking him and he had no idea what for.  Dan’s Dad was just sitting there with a big ‘ol smile in his face!   Dan didn’t even know it was Sweetest Day; but he earned some brownie points; thanks to Dad.  And; now I know where Dan gets his character and his smile from. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.  God be with you all. 

When I was turing 15, I didn't want to have a birthday party but I did want a dinner. But since we were busy until the month of May, my mom decided to share a birthday dinner. We went to Buddy's pizza with my parents, my brother and one of my close friends.  It was probably the funniest nights I had. We also went to Dairy Queen after which made the night very relaxing.

OBITUARY

John Timothy Barr

January 27, 1944 – April 4, 2020

Pixley Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services