Pastor Jim Barr

Pastor James Edgar Barr passed away at his home in Martinsville, Indiana, on September 27, 2026. He was born on April 11, 1946, in Benton, Illinois, and lived a life marked by faith, service, and deep devotion to the people he loved.

Jim dedicated more than 50 years to ministry, answering a calling that shaped the course of his life and touched many others along the way. He served as a missionary in the state of Illinois, where he started two churches, and later pastored Calvary Baptist in Bloomington, Indiana, for 18 years. Jim was also a member of Grace Baptist Church, Bloomington, Indiana. His commitment to sharing his faith was steady and heartfelt, and he never missed an opportunity to minister to others. In addition to his pastoral work, he wrote a devotional book titled For His Glory, an expression of the convictions that guided his life and service.

He graduated from Jacksonville Baptist College and also attended BMAA Seminary in Jacksonville, Texas. Those years of study helped prepare him for a lifetime of ministry, but those who knew Jim also knew that his greatest gifts were found in the way he cared for people. He was an amazing listener, always supportive of others and their needs, and he had a special way of bringing a smile to people and making them laugh. His presence was a comfort, and his kindness left a lasting impression.

Among the blessings of his life, Jim was especially proud to be a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was married to his beloved wife, Patricia Ann (McDonough) Barr, for 63 years, a remarkable testament to love, faithfulness, and shared life. He was a proud and fun-loving father and grandfather, and his family was one of his greatest joys.

Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Barr; his daughters, Sherri Ripley and Lynette (Roy) Overton; his grandchildren, W. Thomas (Janna) Hughes, Heather (Tyler) Pickens, Stephanie (Cody) Creath, and Kimberly Hash; and his great-grandchildren, Xander, Colton, Kathryn, Eliana, Alessandra, Grant, Adalynn, and Briar. The love he gave to his family will remain a lasting gift, carried forward in the lives and memories of those who knew him best.

He was preceded in death by his father, Everett Edgar Barr; his mother, Gladys Lorene (Bell) Barr; and his sister, Denise Szaro.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church of Bloomington, 2320 N Smith Pike, Bloomington, Indiana 47404. A second visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church of Bloomington. The funeral service will follow there on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. at Nebo Memorial Park Cemetery, 3295 IN-252, Martinsville, Indiana 46151.

Pastor James "Jim" Edgar Barr will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his servant’s heart, his warm humor, and the love he poured into his family and ministry. His life was one of purpose, compassion, and encouragement, and his memory will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know him.