Obituary of James Walter Barry, Jr.

            It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of James W. Barry, Jr., who passed away on October 25, 2025. James, or Jimmy as he was known by most, was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend to all who were blessed to know him.

           

            Jimmy was born on November 17 of 1968 to James and Patricia Barry in Denville, NJ. He was raised alongside his siblings, John and Tracie. Jimmy’ life looked different than other children his age, but it didn’t stop him from making the most out of life. Jimmy graduated from Sparta High School and went on to work at Cones by Design, in Stanhope, providing sweet treats to every customer who came through the door.

 

            Jimmy resided in a laughter and fun-filled home with a group of friends and caregivers that became like family to him. He found joy in living independently and attending many social functions and his day program, that his home provided or accessed for him. One of his favorite trips out would be to shop at Barnes and Noble, with a fresh cup of coffee, to peruse the aisles for new books and music to dive into. He was an avid reader and loved music, especially Simon and Garfunkel.

 

            Also among his good memories were those made with family during their trips to Applebee’s where they would catch up and spend time, over good food, followed by a trip to Walmart, for more shopping. Jimmy was easily pleased. He found true happiness in the simple things in life; friendship, family, and good times.

 

            Throughout his life, Jimmy was assisted by his wonderful advocates, his awesome caregivers through his home and the wonderful agency that runs it, CHC, and those certain special people at Hackettstown Hospital that knew how to make his frequent stays tolerable. His family would like to extend their extreme gratitude for the love and care they provided to him over all the years.

 

            And though we are saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is reunited in Heaven with those who passed before him; his parents, James Walter Barry, sr. and Patricia O’Rourke, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his siblings, John E. Barry, Tracie L. Hinson, his aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

 

If you would like to contribute to Jimmy’s memory in your own way, we encourage you to make a charitable contribution to the Center for Humanistic Change; the organization that cared for Jimmy and many others like him. Donations can be made via InMemOf.org.

 

            Hours of public visitation for Jimmy will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 31, at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 76 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. All are welcome to come and celebrate his life, and please leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Jimmy’s light shine!