James Richard Barber, Sr.

James Richard Barber, Sr.
July 4, 1939 - November 11, 2025

James Richard Barber, Sr. “Jim”, 86 years old of Vinton was born in Lake Charles, La., to Vernon William and Louise Barber.

He attended Marion High School where he played football and had received a scholarship from LSU in track but decided to join the United States Navy in 1956 instead. He married Faye Richard after returning from boot camp that year and they had three children. He served in the Vietnam War during his 20 years in the US Navy and retired as a Chief Petty Officer in San Diego, California. He owned many businesses during his lifetime, an auto mechanic shop (S&S Brothers), a wheel manufacturing company (Jay-Bee Wheels), a horse racing business (Brandon’s Investment) and a construction business (Barber’s Construction). In his early years after he retired from the US Navy he owned race cars including Mr. Peanut that he loved to drag race. In his later years he became the owner of racehorses, and the two left behind are Old Tyme Girl and Roll On Baby, that he raced mostly at Delta Downs in Vinton.

Jim will always be remembered for his kindness and trusting soul. Jim would frequently say that God gave him two good women after he married Rose. His family was everything to him and he was his happiest when they were around. They will miss him greatly and he will forever be in their hearts. He will be remembered for his infectious smile that brought happiness to everyone around him. The most important thing in his life was being a Christian and knowing he would go to heaven after he died. Jim and Rose attended First Baptist Church of Vinton where he was involved in the men’s ministry.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Ella Rose of 29 years, his children, Mrs. Cathy Haynes, son-in-law Don Haynes, Rhonda Barber and James Richard Barber, Jr., step-kids, Keith LeLeux and wife Renee, Mrs. Rebecca Jones and husband Woody, Mrs. Bridget Groves and husband Larry. His ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren along with Jim’s older brother V.W. Barber and wife Joy and younger brother Bobby Barber and wife Flo with many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by Phyllis Faye (Richard) Barber, his wife of 39 years, his parents V.W. and Louise Barber, and his daughter-in-law Terry Lynn Barber.

Pallbearers will be James Barber Jr. (Rick), Don Haynes, Keith LeLeux and three of his grandsons, Josh Haynes, Alexander Stout and Ry Chapman.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Home of Sulphur, La. The visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, until the time of the service. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens in Lake Charles, La.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net