Jim, Wanda and Jamie Barry

The Barry family — Jim, 63. wife Wanda, 52, and son Jamie, 15, — died from smoke inhalation at their Columbia Falls home early Friday morning, Jan. 22, 2010. Initial reports indicate that a fire started in the chimney of their wood-burning stove and the family perished before rescue teams arrived.

James Lewis Barry IV was born Jan. 14, 1947, at Kansas City. Jim was the eldest of five children born to James Barry III and Anna Popovich.

Wanda Mae (Hawks' Barry was born Dec. 14, 1957, at Chester. She was the only daughter of three children born to Leo Hawks and Frances Mae Shettel.

James Lewis Barry V, who was lovingly called "Jamie," was born Jan. 8, 1995, at Kalispell. He was the youngest of two children born to Jim and Wanda.

The Barrys lived in the Flathead Valley when they met and married on Jan. 20, 1990. They made their home in Columbia Falls where they were working partners in a construction business called Alpine Builders. The couple enjoyed collecting antiques and restoring old cars together. At the time of their death, they were home-schooling their son, Jamie.

Jamie grew up in Columbia Falls and received his early education at the Glacier Christian School. He enjoyed home-school and quality time with his folks. He had achieved the level of a high school freshman. For the past two years, Jamie loved singing in an adult Barbershop Chorus in Kalispell and was recently learning to play the guitar.

Wanda grew up on the Hawks family farm northwest of Chester. She received her education through grade 5 at the Eagle Creek Country School and transferred to the Chester Schools where she graduated from C.H.S. in 1976. Wanda continued her education at the Flathead Community College and earned an associate degree in social work. She loved the Flathead Valley and made it her home from that time on. For the past few years, Wanda worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls.

Jim grew up in Kansas and received his education at Westport, where he enjoyed playing high school basketball. After he graduated in 1965, he began working as a carpenter. In 1966 Jim married Linda Riggs. The couple and their two daughters, Tina and Wendy, moved to Montana in 1975. The family lived in Hungry Horse until their divorce. Jim eventually met Wanda and their new life began in 1990.

The Barrys attended the Lion Baptist Church in Coram, where Jamie was baptized. They were a tight-knit family that loved spending time together. Recently Wanda taught Jamie to snow-ski, and Jim took him hunting this past fall (when Jamie successfully bagged his first deer!). Jim was also teaching Jamie some carpentry skills, and they were building a chicken coop at the family home.

Jamie loved animals, especially doves and baby chicks. He also enjoyed driving his scooter, which had been given to him by an old friend/neighbor, Charlie Fisher, who has since passed away. Jamie was also an avid Lego builder; he designed and constructed many interesting and intricate structures over the years.

Jim collected antiques and loved to work on old cars. One of his most prized possessions was his restored 1957 Chevy Convertible. Jim also enjoyed hiking, hunting and fishing. During his quiet time at home, he liked to watch television. He was a talented carpenter who was well-known and respected by many people throughout the Valley.

Wanda had many hobbies, too. Like Jamie, she loved all animals. Her backyard was like a neighborhood zoo; in addition to her favorite horses and dogs, she took care of many goats, ducks, pigeons, chickens, doves and other assorted creatures! Wanda enjoyed skiing, playing the piano, and reading. She loved to collect and restore old furniture, so she ran a small upholstery business to keep herself busy at home. Wanda had a great sense of humor. Her use of words and language were unique; when she spoke and shared stories, there was always humor and fun for everyone! At an early age, Wanda was given a special family nickname: "Quack." The name stuck with her throughout the years and she proudly displayed it on her personalized license plates.

The loss of this special family is heartfelt by their loving relatives and community friends. The Barrys are gone, but their memories will linger on forever.

Wanda is survived by her mother, Frances Hawks of Chester; two brothers, Claude (Rita) Hawks of Chester and Adrian (Janet) Hawks of Galata; two nephews, Jeremy and Cory; and three nieces, Tammy, Kimberly and Kari.

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Tina (Dave) Wassam and Wendy (Scott) Persinger, both of Columbia Falls; seven grandchildren (including Bradley, Mitchell, Adam, Nachelle, Ashley, Zachary and Ricky); two great-grandchildren (Gage and Alyssa); his mother, Anna Munholland of Archie, Mo.; one brother, John Barry of East Summit, Mo.; two sisters, Pam Smith of Kansas City and Sandy Greenhall of Tongannoxie, Kan.; and his extended family, the Hawks'.

Jamie is survived by his two grandmothers, his two sisters, and numerous nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts and cousins.

The Barrys were preceded in death by their beloved daughter (Carmen in 1995). Wanda's father, Leo, passed away in 1988. Jim's dad (James' preceded him in death, as did a sister (Janie Clevenger) and a granddaughter (Alyssa).

Funeral services for the Barry family were held Jan. 27 at the New Covenant Church in Kalispell. Burial with graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 (today) at the Chester Cemetery in Chester. Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester.