James Lovell Barrett

James Lovell Barrett, age 89 of Cary, passed away May 3, 2022.

Jim was born Friday January 13th, 1933 in East Orange, New Jersey.  Son of Adele Lovell Barrett and Lawrence C. Barrett.  His sister Patricia was four years older and he had two step brothers, Scott and Clayton who died years earlier.  In 1938 the family moved from New Jersey to Des Plaines, Illinois.  He attended grade school there and then attended Maine Township High School graduating in 1950.  He then entered Albion College and joined the Sigma Nu fraternity.  While in High School he met Ruth E. Anderson and followed her to Albion.  Jim put himself through college with many different jobs both in the summer time and during his college years.  He married Ruth E. Anderson on June 28th, 1954 and went into the U.S. Army on January 19th, 1955.  After basic training and advanced training as a clerk-typist, he was sent to Fort Ord, California where Ruth joined him for his remaining months in the service.  When discharged Jim returned to Chicago and the life insurance sales business.  He changed agencies in 1958 and joined the Earl C. Jordan Agency of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.  He remained there until he went into Equity sales in the 1970’s.  While with the Mass. he received his Chartered Life Underwriter designation and for several years won many agency production awards.  In 1980 Jim moved his office from Chicago to Crystal Lake, Illinois.  In 1992,1993 and 1994 he was the leading sales agent among 50 agents of the Ogilve & Taylor Security Corp.  In 1984 he joined forces with Gene Hiezer to form a relationship that lasted until Jim’s retirement at age 65.  Jim then sold his home in Cary, Il. and moved to his cottage that he owned on Lake Michigan near South Haven, Mi.  In the winter months Jim and Ruth would drive to Green Valley, Az. which is south of Tucson.  They would stop and visit friends and see all the sights going back and forth for the next 16 years.  In 2014 Jim and Ruth moved into a Senior Care Facility called Barrington Woods in Barrington, Il.  They have been near family and friends ever since.

Although he was very busy running his business, he always found time to spend  with his family.  He was the Scout Master of troop 164 and always took his boys, (Glenn, Bruce, Chuck & Curt) on camping trips to the north woods.  He was also a mentor to many and was asked to give motivational speeches to several organizations.  Jim was a member of Cary United Methodist Church and worked on several committees through the years.  He also taught adult bible study until a few years ago.  He touched many lives and his love and kindness will be missed by all.  Jim is survived by his wife Ruth, his children: Glenn Barrett, Bruce (Cheryl) Barrett, Chuck (Jeanne) Barrett and Curt (Deb) Barrett as well as his grandchildren:  Carly, Grace, Mitchell, Adam, Elizabeth and Valerie

A Memorial Service for Jim will be held at Cary United Methodist Church, 500 First St. Cary, on Friday, May 6, 2022, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM and concluding with a Service at 11:00 AM.

Memorials should be sent to St. Jude’s Hospital, Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tn. 38105 or to UNICEF USA, 125 Maiden Lane, NY, NY 10038       

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