ROCKY MOUNT — James “Jim” F. Barden Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2009. 

James ‘Jim’ F. Barden Jr. Advertisement

He was born July 22, 1918, in Goldsboro, to J. Floyd and Mabel Edgerton Barden. He grew up on his family’s farm and attended Goldsboro Public Schools. After graduation from high school, he attended Guilford College and Duke University, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering.  He later volunteered for the U.S. Naval Reserve and went on active duty in 1944, where he served in the South Pacific Theater. Following active duty, he was employed by Carolina Telephone in Tarboro. He eventually had the opportunity to start his own business, Three Scales, in Northampton County, and operated the business until his retirement. During his career, he also served on the board of elections and the ABC Board.

Jim grew up worshipping at Goldsboro Friends Church and later became a member of Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church in Tarboro, First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke Rapids,  and Englewood Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount. He loved his church families and continued to grow in his faith and love for the Lord throughout his life. Jim’s life on this earth was a Christian example of faith, humility and love. He demonstrated through his words and actions, honesty, devotion, kindness, responsibility, service and patriotism. He was highly loved and respected for being an outward witness of his inner beliefs and his family and friends are both honored and challenged to carry on his legacy.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mabel Barden; a brother, Edward Kemp Barden; his first wife of 41 years, Jamie Millar Barden; and a son, James “Jimmy” F. Barden III. 

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Carolyn Nichols Barden; a daughter-in-law, Dianne S. Barden; his grandchildren, Elizabeth B. Conner of Roanoke Rapids, Pollie Barden of Jersey City, N.J., and Laura B. Mangum of Greenville; his great-grandchildren, Jamie Conner and Ryan Mangum; his stepsons, Kent Inscoe of Williamston and Don Inscoe of West Palm Beach, Fla.; his stepgrandchildren, Kelly Inscoe, Amber Inscoe, Erik Inscoe and Craig Inscoe; and numerous close relatives and a host of loving friends.

  A service of celebration and worship will be held at 11 a.m.,  Saturday, Oct. 17, at Englewood Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount. Visitation with the family will take place immediately after the service.

Friends may visit at the home during the afternoon or early evening hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to Englewood Presbyterian Church, Rocky Mount; First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke Rapids; or the Edgerton-Barden Memorial Endowment at Guilford College in Greensboro. 

“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23.

Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home in Rocky Mount is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.wheelerandwoodlief.com.