Brother,
It is with a heavy heart that I announce Brother James "Judge" Barber passed away last evening. James was a 47 year member of the fraternity and Treasurer of our lodge since 1985. Please keep Sandy, Mathew, and the rest of his family in your thoughts and prayers.
James was a true pillar of our lodge. Besides being Treasurer of the lodge for 35 years and being present at nearly every meeting during those years, he was a wonderful human being and a true friend and brother to all of us. For these reasons and more, he was nominated by our lodge to receive the 2019 Ohio Grand Lodge Medal of Honor. A copy of the letter which accompanied the nomination form can be found below.
This announcement was sent out early because this news is traveling fast and I have had several calls already asking about it. I will send out details regarding any services and the obituary when they have been made available.
Fraternally,
Steve Miller, Secretary
Wauseon 349
Medal of Honor Nomination Letter
May 14th, 2019
To whom it may concern,
It is with great enthusiasm that Wauseon Lodge No. 349 would like to nominate Brother James Earl Barber for the prestigious “Medal of Honor” award. Brother Barber has been a pillar of our lodge since before most of us were even members and without his unending support, our lodge would not be the same place that we all know and love.
Brother Barber was born May 16th, 1946 to a local family with a facinating heritage which he has honored though all of his life's achievments. Brother Barber, like his father, grandfather, and great grandfather, is an attorney and Judge, a US Army Veteran, and an active Freemason within Wauseon Lodge. We have actually been able to find records of his family holding officer positions within Wauseon Lodge dating all the way back to our very first meetings.
Brother Barber was raised a Master Mason on April 24th, 1974 in Wauseon Lodge No. 349 and has been coronated a 33rd Degree Mason by the Valley of Toledo, AASR. Though he has never served as a progressive line officer with-in Wauseon Lodge, beginning in 1985, James agreed to accept the position of Treasurer, a position he has held ever since. For the 34 years since, he has been one of the best attending and most supportive of all the brethren to have come and gone during that time. He has donated his time outside of meetings to serve as Master Craftsman for new candidates and has maintained the lodge grounds longer than any of us can remember.
Outside of the lodge, Brother Barber has been a tremoundous supporter the Boy Scouts of America, The American Legion, Gideons International, and the community of Wauseon. Every year, James plays a key role in the organization of our local Memorial Day Program, including cooridinating the parade and the speakers for the ceromony following the parade. He is also very involved in the Methodist Church and a member of the choir.
If there is to be found one mason that is a member of Wauseon Lodge, who exhibits all of the virtues of Freemasonry, who is a true beacon of light to all of his brothers and his community, we need look no further than Brother James Earl Barber, 33°. We at Wauseon Lodge No. 349 are excited and proud to submit his name for consideration of this highest honor.
Fraternally,
WB Steve Miller, Secretary
