SHERRILLS FORD, NC. - James “Jim” Reeves Barkley Jr., 73, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 26, 2022.

Jim was born February 28, 1948, in Lincolnton to the late James R Barkley Sr. and Helen Schrum Barkley. A graduate of Lincolnton High School, class of 1966, Jim started his career as a transmission lineman with Duke Power and then transitioned to the City of Lincolnton Electrical Department working as a lineman while volunteering as a firefighter and EMT. Jim’s excellent service led to his appointment as the Assistant Fire Chief for the Lincolnton Fire Department. Jim decided to continue his career as a lineman with Williams Electric and later moved to Pike Electric where he worked for 26 years before retiring as an electrical distribution line general foreman.

Jim lived in Sherrills Ford, with his wife, Sharon, of 37 years. In his free time, he enjoyed making wine from his home grown muscadines, singing karaoke, dancing, fishing, and spending time with countless friends and loved ones. Jim enjoyed life tremendously and will be remembered for his fun-loving spirit, kind heart, and great cooking.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son, James “Trey” R. Barkley III; his daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” G. Barkley; and his sisters, Janette “Jan” Barkley Winston of Goshen, Ohio, and Carolyn Barkley Little of Wilmington.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon Rhodes Barkley; his granddaughter, Shelby Laine Barkley and significant other Austin Harris of Lincolnton; his brothers, Steven Barkley and wife Joyce of Denver, Dale Barkley and wife Vicky of Lincolnton, and John Barkley and significant other Susan Walters of Lincolnton, his sister Christine “Chris” Barkley Hendrick of Lincolnton; a beloved aunt, Margaret Barkley Ellis of Shelby; and many cherished nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 4, 2022, from 12 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton. A celebration of life service will follow visitation at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Warlick Funeral Home. Burial will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Lincolnton.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice in Jim’s honor.

Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton, N.C. is serving the Barkley family.