James Hayden Barker
Dec 11, 1950
Dec 9, 2024
December 11, 1950 - December 8, 2024
James Hayden Barker, 73, of Louisville transitioned on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at his home.
Visitation 10-11am Monday, December 16, 2024 at Lampkins Chapel CME Church 2738 Algonquin Parkway Funeral to follow at 11am. Burial Kentucky Veteran Cemetery.
JAMES HAYDEN BARKER was born December 11, 1950, in Louisville, Kentucky to Rufus and Julia Ralston Barker. James was the 9th child of 15 in this union.
The family moved from Louisville Kentucky to Inkster Michigan. James attended the Inkster Public Schools and graduated in 1969.
James began working at Ford Motor Company in 1969. He was drafted into the Army in February of 1970. His ranking in the service was E-4, with the job of being Air-borne in 1970. He fought in the Vietnam War, received a Purple Heart and was honorably discharged in 1971. He returned to Ford Motor Company and retired in February 2012.
His favorite past time: James enjoyed going to the Casino, drinking Mountain Dew, and later changed it to Pepsi, smoking a pack of Kools, watching Cowboy Movies and sitting on his porch (people watching). He loved a home cooked meal and talking on the phone even though he would say he didn’t know how to work it. He was know to have a frank sense of humor and never sugar coated anything.
In 1990, James met Sharon Bass and married her in 1992. James and Sharon made a commitment at Lampkins Chapel CME Church in Louisville, Kentucky under the leadership of Rev. Ulysses Gober. A blended family was created to include: LaVasha (Roger), Melissa, James “Buster”, Clarence, Lashawn and Denise.
James: joins in death his loving wife Sharon; his parents, Rufus and Julie Barker; siblings; Aaron, Albert, Evelyn, Kenneth, Rufus, Stella and William. brother in-law L.C. Lee and sister in-law Elizabeth.
On Sunday, December 8, 2024, James departed this life. He leaves behind: his children LaVasha (Roger) James, Melissa. Grandchildren; Corey, Caniya, Mikal, Kimora, Tavion, Kayla, Siana, Kalisue, Kailan and Jamilynn; his siblings: Curtis (Ann), Margaret, Ruth, Ada (Michael), Rosa “BayBay”, Dennis and Melvin. sisters in-law: Patricia and Charlotte. A host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9,