James Barker

James Carl Barker, 86, passed away Aug. 27, 2012, with his family by his side in Columbia Falls.

Carl was born May 21, 1926, in Springdale, Ark., to George and Rose Barker.

He joined the Navy during World War II and served as a water tender, 3rd Class on the USS Casablanca, USS Allegan and USS Bennington. He received the American Theater, Asiatic-Pacific and the Victory medals. He was discharged May 18, 1946. After his retirement, Carl and wife Lorraine moved to Columbia Falls.

Carl is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lorraine Barker; children Barbara Mitchell, of Reeds, Mo., Carl Barker, of Whitefish, Jim Barker, of Oroville, Wash., Joyce Dye, of Kalispell, and Laura Postma, of Gooding, Idaho; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.

Burial took place at Woodlawn Cemetery, in Columbia Falls.