James Barger Obituary

James E. Barger Sr.

James Edward "Eagleheart" Barger was born June 19, 1942, in Lima, to Donald D. and Ruthann (Hammond) Darnell. He was adopted in Jan., 1946, by Wallace C. and Mary A. (Ridge) Barger of Tiffin, where he was raised. Graduating from Tiffin Columbian High School in 1960, he entered U.S. Marine Corps, serving as an Aviation Radio Technician, where he earned honors for outstanding performance. He was one of the original employees of Continental Cablevision and worked there for many years before starting his own broadband telecommunications consulting and construction businesses. He served as Chairman at RotaMax and BargerTech International with his son, Eric, for several years in the rotary engine manufacturing business. BargerTech International eventually branched out to offer sustainable food, renewable energy, and clean water 4AWL.

In 1961, he married high school sweetheart Kathleen Ann "Chum" Mathias at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. They had 10 children, James E. Barger II (deceased), Jeffery A. (Jennie) Barger of Findlay, Wallace Paul Barger (stillborn), Eric R. (Stephanie) Barger of Forest, Melanie E. (Anthony) Adams of Findlay, Rachael S. (John) Grimpel-Barger of New York City, Mary A. (Robert) Dunn of Findlay, Anita K. (Jason) Parsell of Findlay, Rebekah R. (Mitchell) Barrett of Findlay and Benjamin A. (Briana) of Kamiah, Idaho. Their 38 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, great-great-granddaughter were his pride and joy and he loved them all unconditionally. Their immediate family tree numbers 110.

He is also survived by his sister, Susan R. (Robert) Huckoby; half-sisters, Barbara (Terry) Hietcamp and Doris R. (Gary) Reinert; many nieces, nephews, brothers, and sisters-in-law, cousins, church kids who all called him "Grandpa Jim," and tons of friends all over the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, James E. Barger II; grandsons, Jarrod T. Barger, Evan A. Zeller, Joseph J. Barger, and Nelson D. Barger; great-granddaughter, Kaylie M. Barger; great-grandson, Chase M. Wickman; half-brother, Larry Darnell; half-sister, Cindy Sealscott; brother, William Barger; and sisters Joan Ernst and Patricia Schmidt.

In 1972, he determined to follow Christ and became involved in Royal Rangers, a mentoring ministry for boys and young men where he served locally, nationally, and internationally â€" many years as the elected president of the National Royal Rangers Council. Jim conducted training for Royal Ranger leaders in Australia, Malaysia, Vanuatu, Indonesia, Fiji, Singapore, Finland, and Nepal as well as extensively throughout the USA. His family was one of the founding families of New Life Assembly of God in Findlay, where he served in many positions including board member and facilities director. He was a past President of Findlay Area Youth for Christ and Secretary for the National Royal Rangers Camp at Eagle Rock, Missouri. He worked building churches in Mexico, Bolivia, and Malawi. His church family was especially close to his heart. A noted storyteller, he was much in demand as a motivational, inspirational speaker traveling throughout the USA.

On two separate occasions, he made extended intercessory prayer treks into Tibet, culminating in a circumnavigation of Mt. Kailash. Three months were spent teaching in the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) Chaplain's School in New Sudan where 96 soldiers were being trained in Biblical knowledge and pastoral methodologies. He authored articles appearing in various trade and religious periodicals as well as two books based on his travels in Tibet, "Invading the Mountain of Darkness," and Israel, "Discovering Israel."

Jim enjoyed trolling for walleye on Lake Erie, deer hunting, football, and NASCAR, but his greatest joy was being with family. He hopes to meet each and every one in Heaven. Week long reunions, first Mathias Mass Meetings then Barger Bashes, were a family staple since 1975.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023, at New Life Assembly of God, 3120 Norcrest Street, Findlay. Additional visitation will be 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Winebrenner Seminary, 950 North Main Street, Findlay. Jim's funeral will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the seminary with the Rev. Dutch VanDerVlucht officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Findlay, with military rights by Hancock Veterans Memorial Squad.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be made to New Life Assembly of God Royal Rangers, 3120 Norcrest Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.