James Barry Dishman, 61, of Rock Island, TN, passed away on September 8, 2026. He was born in Spencer, TN on February 19, 1965 to James Oral Dishman and Delma Madewell Dishman.
Barry spent his career working in juvenile court, dedicating himself to young people at some of the hardest moments of their lives. Believing that children needed support long before they ever reached a courtroom, he founded Kids of the Community, a non-profit organization serving under-privileged children in the community. He was a true champion for kids and made it his mission to serve and encourage others.
An outdoorsman at heart, Barry spent every October for twenty years in the mountains of Colorado hunting, a tradition that brought him more peace than any other place on earth. He loved to fish and spent many mornings chasing a bite with his family and friends that he cherished so much.
Above all, Barry believed deeply in family — both the family he was born into and the family he chose — and in serving something larger than himself. He believed in God, and his faith carried him through life’s hardest seasons.
Barry is survived by his wife, Tina Dishman; his daughters, Megan (Will) Marttala and Mac Dishman; his grandson-Pa’s Little Buddy, Henry Marttala; his mother, Delma Dishman; his brother, Kelly (Tara) Dishman; and his sisters, Joan (Jeff) Moffitt and Melena Dishman; his nephews Kyle (Jessica) Walling, Justin Walling, Jesse (Tabitha) Moffitt, and Robert Dishman; as well as several great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Mike (Linda) Akin, Kenny (Karen) Akin, Steve (Sherry) Akin, and Don Akin along with several nieces and nephews and his amazing friend Christie Allison.
Barry was preceded in death by his father James Dishman, mother-in-law Helen Akin, father-in-law H.C. Akin.
Service and Visitation will be held at McMinnville Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday September 9th from 4p-8p and Thursday September 10th 10aa-1pm.
Funeral Services will be Thursday September 10th 1pm in McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel
A celebration of life will be held on October 17th at 11am at the Kids of the Community building at 681 Cadillac Lane McMinnville, TN. We invite all of the KOTC kids and families to attend this celebration of life and tell their stories about Mr. Barry.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kids of the Community, in honor of the legacy Barry helped build and the children he continued to serve until the end.
