James David Barger, 77, of Allendale, Illinois, passed away Friday, July 12, 2024, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 26, 1947, in Harrisburg, Illinois, the son of W. L. “Dave” and Mary T. (Baker) Barger. He married Ruth Ernestine Smith at the First Christian Church in Allendale, on June 13, 1971, and they have celebrated fifty-three years of marriage, centered around their faith and family.

Jim was a 1965 graduate of Carrier Mills High School and in 1969 he graduated from Southern Illinois University. He continued his education in 1994 by attending Indiana Wesleyan University. Jim earned a master’s degree in education and taught school for thirty-three years at Allendale High School. He was a coach for the basketball and baseball teams and was a positive influence on many of his students who remember him fondly. Jim was an accomplished author having published three biographical textbooks. He worked as a librarian at both the Wabash Valley College and the Mt. Carmel City Libraries, was a member of the Wabash/Edwards Retired Teachers Association and president of the Carrier Mills Alumni Association. Jim has served as president, secretary, and zone governor of the Allendale Ruritan Club. In 2023 he was voted as Ruritan of the Year. He served as trustee and treasurer of the Allendale Rural Fire Protection District where he was a member for twenty-three years. He enjoyed volunteering for the Lunch Wagon and Circle A Servolution food pantry. Jim had a love for animals and was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Indiana Pacers basketball. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Allendale. Jim was very kind and caring and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

James leaves behind his beloved wife, Ernestine; children, Adrienne (Mike) Robinson, Liz (Eric Kenney) Lawalin, and Steven Barger; two grandchildren, Joseph David and Norah Elizabeth Robinson; one brother, John (Kay) Barger; several loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with name officiating. Burial will follow at Allendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to honor his love of animals to

Heaven After Hell Rescue, or the Lunch Wagon. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Jim’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Barger family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com