James Clinton Barker, also known as Jimmy, Clyde, Taz, Daddy, Uncle Jimmy, Gran Gran, and “It,” age 73, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at TriStar Centennial Hospital. He was born on July 25, 1952, in McKenzie, Tennessee, to George Hudkins Barker and Dorothy Christine (Holland) Barker.
He graduated from Trezevant High School in 1970 and attended Tennessee Vocational-Technical School in McKenzie the following year. Throughout his career, he worked for numerous employers, including ITT, Milan Army Ammunition Plant, Foamex, Ceco, Perdue, Drake’s Wholesale and Supplies, Republic Builders, Wildridge Machine Shop, Fedders, Pyrotechnic Supplies, HQ Aero Management, and Canteen Vending, before retiring. He often said that his proudest professional accomplishments were becoming a maintenance supervisor and helping others in the workplace.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but held a special place in his heart for his family—especially his children and grandchildren—and his dogs. He considered his proudest moments in life to be the births of his two children, his foster children, and watching his children grow into good, honest people.
He married Carolyn Jo Stafford on November 1, 1973, in Greenfield, Tennessee. During their marriage, they lived in Trezevant, Tennessee; Connecticut; New York; Maine; and Puerto Rico before settling in McLemoresville, where they remained for two decades. He later moved to Warner Robins, Georgia, where he married June Bullington Jones on August 30, 2002. After her passing, he returned to Tennessee, living with various family members along the way and helping in each household as he was able. In his final years, he resided with his daughter and her family in Montgomery County, Tennessee.
He is survived by his first wife, Carolyn Stafford Barker; his sister, Annie Diane Carroll, who was always four years older; his daughter, Adrianne Barker Bracknell and her husband, Jeremy; his son, Joseph Clinton Barker and his wife, Lindsey Richie; and his four grandsons, Jaycub David Bracknell, Lukus Clinton Bracknell, Jaxson Clinton Barker, and Johnsten Clyde Barker.
Jimmy was opposed to funerals and flowers. In lieu of these, he requested that donations be made to a charity of one’s choice. On more than one occasion, he mentioned organizations such as the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/) or Make-A-Wish (https://wish.org/).
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