Jack Kimball Barker

Jack Kimball Barker is remembered as a people person. He always had a story to share and a joke to tell and loved to make people smile. His parents, Violet and Edwin Barker, welcomed him on May 21, 1930 and proudly brought him home to meet his older brother Edwin Stephen.

He attended Miami High School and was active in band, drama club, cheer leading and was a school photographer. He embraced life in Miami, loved anything with mango or guava, and spent lots of time on speedboats and Biscayne Bay. After graduation in 1947 he enrolled at the University of Miami and pursued a business degree. In addition to his studies, he continued his interest in photography and captured some great football photos. This hobby led him to taking pictures at many weddings and special events while working at Florida Power & Light.

During the Korean conflict in 1950 Jack enlisted in the US Navy and served 2 years as a Photographer in Washington, DC. After his discharge he enlisted in the Navy Reserves. On a two-week training trip to Floyd Bennett Naval Air Station, Brooklyn, NY he met his future bride, Teresa Kopec. They were married in Miami on September 27, 1958.

Leaving the service, he worked in Public Relations for National Airlines which gave Jack and Terry the wonderful opportunity to honeymoon in Europe. Jack experienced many great moments during these years meeting Eddie Rickenbacker, Herbert Hoover, Bob Hope and many other celebrities. In 1960 he worked as Public Relations Director for the Eden Roc Hotel on Miami Beach during the heyday of nightclub entertainment. He loved the industry and often shared his memories of working with Dinah Shore, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Jack Benny, and George Burns just to name a few.

In 1962, two years after becoming a father, his love of aviation led him to the Public Affairs office at the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington, DC. In 1966 he moved his family to Georgia as the Public Affairs Officer for the Southern Region in Atlanta. As the primary spokesperson for the FAA, Jack traveled extensively and was the face of aviation in the southeast. He was widely quoted in the media and often appeared on local and national TV news. He covered all things aviation such as live aircraft hijackings, facts and dynamics of plane crashes, the PATCO strike, and many industry innovations. He was always good for a laugh, and had a joke or pun for every occasion. He cautioned those he worked with to never greet him by his first name at work, as saying the phrase “hi-jack” could cause a stir.

Dedicated to his job and to aviation he was a long time member of the Aero Club. In 1996 he was awarded the "Frank G. Brewer Trophy" for 30 years of service and dedication to aerospace education. His efforts received national recognition and impacted millions of school children nationwide. This award is considered the most prestigious national award given for aviation and space education and is on display in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

In addition to his career, entertainment, family, and boating were also important facets of his life. For decades Jack and Terry enjoyed many shows and concerts while ushering for the Atlanta Symphony, Fox Theatre, Chastain Park, Horizon Theatre, and other local venues.

They experienced several 1996 Olympics events, were multi-season ticket holders for the Atlanta Falcons football team, and attended lots of Atlanta Braves and Flames games. They enjoyed traveling. Some favorite vacations included trips to England, Western and Eastern Europe, South and Central America, numerous cities in the US, and a family cruise to the Caribbean.

Many weekends were spent at the lake cabin on Lake Lanier. He welcomed a son-in-law as a project helper and spent time teaching his daughter, grandchildren, and many others to captain a boat and to water ski. Sunset cocktail cruises down Yellow Creek and shooting off fireworks on the 4th of July were traditions. Family pets included Jack's first dog Penny, an Irish Setter, and his last and favorite dog Charlie, a Brittany Spaniel.

Simply stated, Jack was a good and kind person who loved to interact with others. He leaves a legacy of influential sayings, friendships, and memories.

Jack died peacefully at home with his wife by his side on the morning of their 60th Wedding Anniversary, Thursday, September 27, 2018. One day earlier, he and Terry received an anniversary blessing from their parish priest.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Teresa Barker, daughter Carolyn Newhouse (Bruce), granddaughter Lynsey Nejman (Phil), grandsons Kyle Newhouse (Emily) and Jackson Newhouse, and great grandchildren Lily Catherine and James Phillip Nejman. His funeral Mass was held at their home parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Atlanta, GA and he was laid to rest in Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA.

We joyfully remember his favorite toast to life's events: "Salud amor y pesetas y tiempo para disfrutarlas!"