Dr. James C. “Jim” Barker, 75, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at his home in Asheville, North Carolina.
Jim was the son of the late Herschel and Marie Runions Barker of Mt. Pleasant. He had one brother, Roger of Memphis.
He graduated from Hay Long High School in 1963, and attended the University of Tennessee, obtaining his Ph.D. in 1973. After one year at the University of Georgia, he was hired at North Carolina State in Raleigh, where he was employed until retiring in 2001 to Asheville.
Jim specialized in agricultural and biological waste management, working with farmers, county agents, and EPA. Later in his career, he worked with the countries of China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan. Jim enjoyed traveling, Bluegrass music, NASCAR, the Tennessee Vols, and hiking in his beloved Smokey Mountains.
Services for Dr. Barker will be Friday, September 24, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Beech Hill Church of Christ with Ed Brown officiating. He will be laid to rest at Beech Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 to 2:00 at Beech Hill Church.
Pallbearers will be Carl Brooks, George Brooks, Marvin Buckner, Maybern Runions, Gwynne Savage, and Huey Smith.
Honorary Pallbearers: Donald Barker, Ed Brooks, Kerry Crocker, Bill Johnson.
Memorials may be sent to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike. Suite 300. Rockville, Maryland, 20852. 1(800) 638-8299
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family online at www.williamsfh.com.
