James “Jim Bob” Barker, the son of Dennis and Helen (Lindsay) Long, was born April 18, 1940, in Tarkio, Missouri. He attended Tarkio High School, graduating in 1958. While in high school, Jim Bob was proud of his football career and was the captain of his team.

Jim Bob was united in marriage to Karen Riley, and they became the parents of two children, Mark and Heidi. They later divorced. In October of 1981, he was united in marriage to Caralee Thompson. He became stepfather to Chris and Cory Jones. They made their home in Tarkio.

Jim Bob was a gifted carpenter. He was employed by Tarkio College for 16 years in maintenance. Jim Bob then became a School Crossing Guard for Tarkio R-I for 20 plus years, retiring in 2025. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and reading. Jim Bob loved gardening and sharing stories with family and friends. Jim Bob passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at his home in Tarkio, at the age of 85.

Besides his parents, Jim Bob was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Heidi Barker, and son, Kirk Wallace. Survivors include children, Mark (Tammy McMahon) Barker, Chris Jones, and Cory (Tiana) Jones; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Sally Turner, Peggy Smith, and Penny Romano; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio, conducted by Mr. Ty Jones. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to James Barker Memorial Fund. Arrangements were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.