James A. Barry, Sr. of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away at 5:15 PM on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth. He was born December 17, 1940 in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Ernest Edward and Ethel Louise (Bennett) Barry. He spent his early years in Peoria, Illinois before moving to Monmouth. Jim attended Immaculate Conception School and Monmouth High School. He was married to Sharon Kay Crain and they later divorced.
Jim began work at the age of 18 at Admiral Maytag in Galesburg, IL. After 32 years of work as a press room operator, he retired at the age of 52. Jim loved to go fishing, and was an avid golf fan, watching on television whenever he had the chance. Mostly, he loved his family and grandchildren.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Linda Wells of Monmouth, IL and Christine (Dave) Root of Monmouth, IL, two sons, James (Tonya) Barry, Jr. of Monmouth, IL and Thomas (Kim) Barry of Knoxville, IL. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Angela Boyd and Gayle Powers, sister Beverly Barry, and two brothers, Gary Barry and Chuck Barry.
A memorial service for James A. Barry is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, IL. His family plans visitation from 9:00-10:00 AM prior to the service. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Monmouth, IL. A memorial is being established for Western Illinois Animal Rescue in Monmouth, IL. For more information, or to leave a remembrance of Jim, please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
