James Richard Barker, age 68, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at UT Hospital surrounded by family following a traffic accident on December 2nd. Richard, as he was known was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to James Taylor and Edna May Barker.

Richard attended Elm Grove Elementary School, Jefferson Junior High School, and graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1975. Following high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was an Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) mechanic stationed in Homestead, Florida. He was proud to serve his country and was a proud veteran.

Richard earned his under graduate degree in Organizational Management from Tusculum College and a Master of Business Administration in Adult Education and Training from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Richard’s early days were spent playing golf at the Oak Ridge Country Club with childhood friends Danny and Terry Tracy. Carefree childhood days were spent playing on Delaware Avenue, and basketball with Greg Rose, Jeff Henderson, and other buddies at his house on California Avenue. Richard played football for Jefferson Junior High School Eagles and Oak Ridge High School Wildcats.

Richard met and married his high school sweetheart, Martha Evans Barker. They were married 48 years. The morning of the accident, Tuesday, December 2nd, they celebrated 52 years of dating by having breakfast at the Jefferson Drug Store. A cherished memory now.

In September of 1985 while on vacation in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Richard shot a hole in one. He was so proud to call his father who was an avid golfer. Richard enjoyed playing golf as an adult at the Oak Ridge Country Club with his brother, Terry Barker when he would come in town. The two of them would play with their father and Kenny Kendall, a dear family friend. Richard played in Oak Ridge’s Tennis League for many years prior to becoming a father.

Richard’s world revolved around his two children, Greg and Lindsey Barker who predeceased him. His life outside of work once they were born was spent in the backyard on Marion Road or coaching/watching softball, baseball, and basketball. He coached many baseball teams for the Boys Club of Oak Ridge.

Richard enjoyed taking his telescope to the backyard and look at the details of the night sky. He especially liked gathering the neighborhood children (and adults) to show different parts of the night sky, planets, constellations, and stars being born. The wonder of the universe attracted Richard to astronomy and astrophysics which he studied in great detail.

Richard and his wife, Martha continued their love of the Wildcats with season tickets and watching on-line. His seats were top row, 50 yard line. He would catch up on current happenings and talk football with Jerry Gibbons, George Johnson, and Johnny Burgess. He enjoyed analyzing plays with Ken Dziedzic who sat next to him for many years. Friday nights under the lights were like a family reunion. He was a UT Volunteer alumni and avid fan attending football and basketball games in his early years and later on television.

Richard reminisced about early Oak Ridge years, children, and other current events with Jill Gulley Ellison, a special friend through the years. Richard looked forward to weekly visits from DOL Case manager and friend, Sancire Kadunce.

Richard was excited when Lindsey found her love and became engaged to Brendan Stubblefield. She gained daughters and Richard and Martha gained bonus granddaughters, Savannah and Isabella Stubblefield. Brendan and Lindsey blessed us with a granddaughter, Braylin Mae Stubblefield. Richard loved spending time with Braylin in Oak Ridge and Spring Hill. He looked forward to their “facetime” calls.

Richard and Martha gained a daughter-in-law when Greg married Tiffany Barker. Tiffany remains an important part of our lives. Richard and Martha recently enjoyed lunch in Cookeville with Tiffany.

Richard attended Glenwood Baptist Church of Oak Ridge in his early years. He started attending First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge when he started dating Martha. It was at First Baptist he gave his life to the Lord and was baptized. Later, Richard and Martha were married at FBC. Richard served the Lord at First Baptist as a Jr/Sr High School Sunday School Teacher and Head of Trustees.

Richard worked at Y-12 National Security Complex in Engineering Services, Mechanical Inspection Department, Production Scheduling Department. After Y-12, he continued his career as a Project Management Specialist and in later years as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and implementation consultant.

Richard will always be remembered as a people person. Compassionate, caring, and always a listening ear.

Family that predeceased Richard; son, James Gregory Barker; daughter, Lindsey Evans Barker; parents, James and Edna Barker; mother and father-in-law, George and Gladys Evans; brother-in-law, Bobby Latham.

Left to cherish his memory; wife Martha Evans Barker, Oak Ridge; brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Kaye Barker, Chapel Hill, NC; sister, Janice Moody, Knoxville, TN; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandra and Tom Davidson; sister-in-law, Susan Latham of Oak Ridge. Lindsey’s fiancé, Brendan Stubblefield and Richard’s granddaughters, Savannah, Isabella, and Braylin Stubblefield, Spring Hill, TN. Nieces and nephews, Elise Garland, Rogersville, TN; Shana (Dave) Dillow, San Jose, CA; Christine Graham, Oak Ridge; Jason (Devon) Barker, Clay (Kimberly) Barker, Cary, NC. Special cousins Mike and Cheryl Whaley, St. Clair Shores, MI and Rhonda and Ed Swederski, Troy, MI.

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made Oak Ridge High School NJROTC, 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 or Loudon County Veterans Honor Guard (LCVHG), PO Box 974, Lenoir City, TN 37771.

The Loudon County Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors at the memorial service. Visitation is 4:00 – 6:00 EST, Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home, Oak Ridge. The memorial service will follow with Dr. Steve McDonald officiating.