James "Jim" R. Barry

James (Jim) Barry, age 76, passed away peacefully at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Born in Milwaukee and raised in Glendale, Jim was a 1967 graduate of Nicolet High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a Minor in History from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse in 1971. Jim was a letter winner on the golf team at both schools and was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity.

In July of 1971, Jim completed basic training for the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He received advanced military police training at Fort Gordon and was assigned to the Sentry Dog Program in Okinawa, Japan, starting in January of 1972. In South Vietnam, his task was to patrol boundaries with the help of German Shepherds.

After being honorably discharged in May of 1973, Jim was hired by Hometown, Inc. in Milwaukee and became the Regional Manager in the Ice Division. During his 38 memorable years at Hometown, Inc., Jim also became the Chairman of the Great Lakes Ice Association and the Chairman of the International Packaged Ice Association. One of his greatest joys was working with his sons, their friends, and the vendors at various summer fairs/events in Wisconsin, especially the Wisconsin State Fair. Lovingly, he was referred to as “Ice 1”. Jim served on the Board of the Youth Foundation at the Wisconsin State Fair; his contributions are honored with a brick in the fair’s Central Park reading, “Cold Hands, Warm Heart.”

Jim was an avid golfer who loved his years at Morningstar Golfer’s Club and Rivermoor Golf Club. Later in life, he enjoyed competing in pickleball matches at the Wisconsin Athletic Club. Through his love for both sports, Jim developed many friendships that have lasted his lifetime.

Jim was incredibly proud of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane (Seeling), of 53 years; his wonderful sons, Scott (Jessica) of Pewaukee and Steve (Melissa) of De Pere; along with his cherished granddaughters, Breah and Ivy Barry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Mary Jane (Snyder) Barry, and his in-laws, Norman and Jean (Davies) Seeling.

A special note of gratitude is extended to Jim’s sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Allen Stoltman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Ellen Seeling; and cousin, Birdie Rieck, for their unwavering support during Jim’s courageous journey. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Raza and the cancer team at ProHealth Care/UW Health Cancer Center and Waukesha Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care.

Private family services and a celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorials in Jim’s name to the “The Milwaukee VA Fisher House” or the “Tunnel to Towers Foundation” would be greatly appreciated.