James Albert Barkley was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 7, 1945, to James Ernest Barkley and Nora Jewell Barkley.  He was the third oldest of four children.

James, who was also called “J.B.” was a golden gloves boxer and was educated in the Cleveland Public School System.  He worked many years at TRW until he retired.

He married Burnestine on July 30, 1977 at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church.  To this union, one son, James Adrian, was born who James loved dearly.

James accepted Christ as his Lord, and was baptized on July 3, 2005 at the historic Greater Friendship Baptist Church.  He remained a member there until his health stopped him from attending church services.  He would always say, “… the Lord will make a way” even though he couldn’t make it to church.  He always leaned and depended on Jesus, and was a man of prayer.  He was a good friend to many, and would lend a helping hand whenever he could.

His mother, father and oldest brother, Lynwood, preceded him in death.

James departed this life on October 21, 2023.  He leaves to cherish fond memories, his wife, Burnestine; one son, Adrian; sister, Christola Harris; one brother, Ronald Barkley; two sister-in-laws, Kathy Barkley and Sherrell Chambliss; nieces, Yana, Maretta, Carla, Zina, and Joy; nephews, Rodney, Kevin, Jason, Jermain, Jamald, Jerrett, Gary, Butchie, Tim, Paul Jr., Twon, Courtney and Jamere; a host of great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces & nephews, and many cousins, relatives and friends.