Friday, February 2, 2018

James L. “Jim” Barga (January 26, 2018)

James L. “Jim” Barga age 91, of Versailles passed away at 6:55 AM on Friday, January 26, 2018, at Crossroads in Vandalia.

Jim was born January 9, 1927, in Frenchtown to the late Leonard O. & Margaret E. (Henry) Barga. In addition to his parents, Jim was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Erin Gehle; brothers, Luke, Frances “Bill” and Gerald “Cy” Barga; sisters, Cecelia Subler, Rosella Braun and Mildred Thobe; and sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Jean & John Magoto.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carolyn “Pooch” (Francis) Barga whom he married September 13, 1952; daughter & son-in-law, Kristine & Max Gehle of Huntsville; son & daughter-in-law, Charles “Chuck” & Susan Barga of Athens; grandchildren, Brian & April Gehle, Jon Gehle & Megan Quirk and Nicholas Barga; great-grandchildren, Aubriana Gehle, Savannah Gehle and Olivia Gehle; brother & sister-in-law, Robert & Joann Barga of Tipton, Indiana; sister & brother-in-law, Martha & Tom Murphy of Piqua; sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Linda & Tom Monnin of Russia and Judy & Tony Monnin of Russia; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Larry & Barbara Francis of Russia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He retired from New Idea in Coldwater. Jim was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church in Versailles; Knights of Columbus in Russia; Versailles Fraternal Order of Eagles and Versailles Vets Club. Jim enjoyed woodworking, making his “famous” birds and banks, reading westerns, following the Versailles Tigers and The Ohio State Buckeyes and following his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim and Pooch spent over 30 years wintering on Anna Maria Island.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Versailles Emergency Medical Service. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles. Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com