PARROTT FUNERAL HOME

In memoriam of
James T. (Jim) Barfield, Jr.,
12/18/1919 - 08/09/2015

James (Jim) T. Barfield, Jr. age 95, died peacefully from natural causes on August 9, 2015. He was born in Atlanta, the son of James T. Barfield, Sr. and Clara Flatauer Barfield.

Jim married the love of his life, Josephine Morgan Barfield, in 1941 who predeceased him in 2012.

Jim graduated from Boys High in 1939 where he exceled both academically and in sports. He was an All-State running back and a High School Boxing Champion. He led the Georgia High School All-State Football Team to a victory over the Arizona All Stars in 1939 in Phoenix. Years later, after graduating from Mercer University, this special all-star team trip, which included Jim’s unscheduled exploits into Superstition Mountain, became the hallmark of his famous storytelling as a teacher to Atlanta students. He always ended each class with a short segment of this never-ending saga. Jim attended Mercer on a football scholarship, was tapped into Phi Beta Kappa, and elected president of the senior class and student body.

He served in the United States Army during World War II and was assigned to the medical corps. After the war, Jim relied on a wealth of inexhaustible energy and determination to succeed in life. Among business pursuits, which included his own Insurance and real estate brokerage firms, Jim taught and coached at Bass High and Dykes High School. Additionally, he was the owner of Barfield’s Health Center where he worked with injured professional baseball players, performed physical therapy on polio victims, and taught body building to the public. Former Mr. America and Mr. Universe, Harry Johnson, credited Jim as his mentor and role model. Jim was a pioneer of Educational TV when it was launched in Atlanta on Channel 30 in 1958. He was hand-picked by the Atlanta Board of Education to host his own program devoted entirely to good health and nutrition. “Your Health with Jim Barfield” aired for 5 years.

After retiring to his farm in Chattahoochee Hills, Jim and his wife, Jo, enjoyed many years of fishing, tending to farm animals, gardening, family activities, and services at their beloved Palmetto Baptist Church. Jim touched the lives of his students in positive and memorable ways as evidenced by the fact that many of them have stayed in touch with him throughout their lives.

Jim is survived by his three children and their spouses, Clare Barfield Hoche (Henry), Judge James T. Barfield, III (Beverly), Robert Morgan Barfield (Pam) and 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at Palmetto Baptist Church with Dr. Jimmy Orr officiating. Interment will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.parrottfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations to Southwest Christian Care, 7225 Lester Rd., Union City, GA 30291. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Parrott Funeral Home and Crematory, 770-964-4800.

Published on Holly Hill Funeral Home Website 08/10/2015.