12/11/2025
IRMO - James Howard Barkley passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the age of 75. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with the love for God and a smile and laughter. Despite the pain and worry, James came out a hero and stayed strong in his faith.
James was born in Sumter, South Carolina to the late Archie Lamar Barkley and the late Sudie Mae McIntosh. He is survived by his adoring wife of 42 years, Tammy; his loving daughters, Nicole Page (Donovan), Ruth Villena (Alejandro), Katherine Barkley (Wes); grandchildren, Charity, Alyvia, Leyvi, and Dominic; brother, Archie Barkley (Martha) of Aiken, SC; his sister, Margaret Launius of Sumter, SC, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Marion Barkley and Pete Barkley and brother-in-law, Cecil Launius.
As a young boy, James made it his priority to make everyone laugh and enjoy life. If you were with James, there were no sad times. And when you left to go home, your heart would be filled with happiness.
James met the love of his life and it was love at first sight for him. He vowed to marry her one day no matter how long it took. It took several years of waiting but in the end, he won her over. They raised three beautiful and loving daughters. He was so proud of the women they became.
He was a graduate of Furman High School in Sumter where he played tackle for the Furman Indians varsity football team. His career included Campbells Soup in Sumter, and retired after 28 years of service as Manager of the Microfilm Department at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia, SC.
In addition, James was a lead male vocalist with Second Sun, a local beach music band that was well known to the Underground Columbia patrons in the 80s and performed numerous times at the Pirates Cove. From there he went on to serve as sound engineer for Mama’s Home Cookin’ and later, Beach Music Hall of Fame band, Second Nature, for many years. He was an avid fan of the Tower of Power group and attended as many concerts near home as possible. His love of music and the many talented friends he met along the way continued to the end.
James will be honored at a celebration of life service on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. Visitation will be held one hour prior at the church. The Barkley family invites everyone to join them for a luncheon in the Parish Hall after the service.
For those wanting to join by live stream, please use the following link: https://youtube.com/?si=37oLJ-7XeclQNd0q
Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel is assisting the family.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.