ALBANY – James O. Barber passed away on Friday, March 9, 2012 after a brief illness. Mr. Barber was born in Endwell, Town of Union, NY, the son of the late Charles and Helen Lena Amodeo Barber. He lived in Albany since early childhood, and served in the U.S. Navy Seabees. He also was employed for many years by the NYS Department of Labor until his retirement. In retirement he served as President, member of the Board of Directors, and Communications Chairperson for the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO); and he worked as an independent safety and health consultant to the amusement ride industry. He also was a member of the Dead End Cruisers car club, a founding member of the Upstate New York Chapter of the Buick Club of America, and he loved traveling to NAARSO events around the country and spending time with his beloved canine companion Samson (Sammy Boy).
Mr. Barber is survived by his wife Ann E. Bardon Barber; his longtime companion Christine Timber; his sons Ed (Sandy), Jim (Lisa), Stephen (Patricia), and Michael (Colleen); his daughter in law Sandy Barber; his brothers Ron Barber (Barbara), and Charles Amodeo (Petey); his sister Mary Anne Amodeo; his grandchildren Tim, Dan, Jim and Emily; Jayme (Pat), Vanessa, and Raymond (Sarah); Olivia; Stephen and Jessica; and Chloe; his great grandchild Alex; and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Shawn Patrick Barber.
A memorial service will be held at on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York, One Mustang Drive, Cohoes, NY 12047. To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Susan and Russ Bushnell
We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Please know that thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Susan and Russ
Mike Rinehart
Jim was the best. All of his colleagues and anyone who knew him will miss him with heavy heart but very fond memories especially if they worked with him as I did.
Loved sharing war stories with him and hearing about The Sea Bees.
mike
Sue Waltz
I was so, so sorry to read about Jim. When I was a Union activist at Motor Vehicle Jim convinced me that I could get into the Safety and Health field (my first love) at the Labor Dept. He showed me how to apply for the test, suggested people to list as references, etc. I will be eternally grateful to him for his help and guidence. He was always there to help and advise and when I would question a safety issue he would always tell me, “If it looks like a duck, if it quacks like a duck, if it walks like a duck, it’s probably a duck. Now you just need to find the violation in the codes.” My deepest condolences to all. He was a good and true friend.
Tommy Petty
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim’s family, Jim will be sadly missed in the amusement ride industry.
Nick Miller
Our thoughts and prayers to all the Barber family and extended family. It’s been a tough year for all of you. But you are a great family and I know you’ll all be there to support each other. Peace and love to you all.
Carl J. Thurnau
My sympathy to the entire Barber Family.
Jim and I were co=workers and friends for over 45 years. In all that time we only had 1 professional argument ans he was right Jim always supported members of his programs with training, advice and counsel.but above all was truly interested in them.
I will certainly miss our bi-monthly lunches in retirement years at South End Tavern ans of course at NARRSO.
GOD SPEED OLD FRIEND
Vince Herman
Only today (11/20/13) did I hear of Jim’s passing. I thought of him often, and went on line to look him up. I was surprised to see he was gone.
I worked with and for Jim for many years at the Labor Department. He was at times my supervisor, always my friend and mentor. He was one of the few people I could trust to go to with a problem.
Although I haven’t seen him in years, I will miss him, as will all his family, and my friend Chris.