James Preston Barr

James Preston Barr, 65, of Lexington, Kentucky, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Tuesday, December 12 after a long battle with cancer. The fifth child of Jack and Marilyn Barr, James was born in Columbus, Ohio on December 10, 1958. At the age of 19, James received Christ as his personal Saviour. At age 21, he enrolled at Hyles-Anderson College to pursue a degree in Pastoral Theology. While attending Bible college, he met Sharon Elaine Middleton. They were married, and the Lord blessed their more than 30 year marriage with ten children. James’ life was characterized by a love for the Lord, a love for his family, a love for his bus kids, a love for church, and a heart for souls. He pastored Madeira Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, for over ten years. Most recently, James was an active member of Clays Mill Baptist Church in Nicholasville, Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Elaine, six sons, three of whom are married and daughters-in-law, James P. and Rachel of Maineville, Ohio; John M. and Hannah of Pleasant Plain, Ohio; Russell L. and Courtney of Loveland, Ohio; Jack S. of Lexington, Kentucky; Benjamin V. of Lexington, Kentucky; Joseph W. of Lexington, Kentucky; four daughters, three of whom are married, and sons-in-law, Marilyn A. and Jeremy Fugate of Lexington, Kentucky; Joanna E. and Jordan Carlson of Lexington, Kentucky; Kathleen J. and Devon Robertson of Loveland, Ohio; Emily G. of Lexington, Kentucky; eight grandchildren, one brother John Barr, and four sisters: Laurie Boemker, Sandy Starr, Kathleen McCullough, Jennifer Kekuewa. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jack and Marilyn Barr. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 1:00PM at Clays Mill Baptist Church, 165 Nehemiah Way, Lexington, Kentucky on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 11:00AM until the time of service. He will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery, Nicholasville. Honoring him as pallbearers will be James Preston Barr II, John McLaurin Barr, Russell Louis Barr, Jack Samuel Barr, Joseph Walter Barr and Benjamin Victor Barr.

This obituary was lovingly submitted by the Barr Family. Hager and Cundiff Funeral Home values nothing more than the trust placed in us to care for Mr. Barr’s family.