James Christopher Barrett

James C. Barrett, originally from Dunmore, and a longtime resident of South Abington Township, was peacefully called home Sunday morning while surrounded by his loving and devoted family. His wife is the former Debra Fowler, and they were just short of celebrating half of a century as a happily married couple.
Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Louis “Bud” and Evelyn Margaret “Peggy” Barrett. Jim was a graduate of Scranton Prep and earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Scranton. He was the extremely proud owner of Road Scholar Transport in Dunmore, and is forever indebted to those who chose to work with him in growing an organization that affords so many to put food on the table for their families.
Jim was a member of the Church of Saint Gregory, the Country Club of Scranton, Glenmaura National Golf Club, and The Scranton Club. He loved to play golf and, even if he didn’t par the course, he still enjoyed the good walk. Second to his family, his next true love was automobiles. He loved all types of cars, but the louder and the faster, the better for Jim. His love for fishing was shared with friends, and passed down to his family members through their many adventures – it didn’t matter where, just as long as they were actually catching, and not just fishing.
Amongst his many accomplishments, one of which he was particularly proud is the Road Scholar Awareness Campaign, which brings visibility to dozens of charitable foundations, and smiles to people’s faces. He and his family were recently honored with the appointment of Jim as the Grand Marshall of the Scranton Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
In addition to his soul mate, he is survived by three daughters and one son, all of Clarks Summit. Marybeth & husband Mike Grohs, Kellie & husband Pat McMullen, Bridget & fiancé Jonathan Grega, and Matthew & wife Kate Barrett. Jim was also blessed with 8 beautiful grandchildren whom he adored; Colton, Brayden, Emmersen, Claire, Olivia, Arya, Madelyn, and Emily. Jim is also survived by his two sisters, Barbara A. Jordan & husband Tom and Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Laffey & husband Pat, all of Scranton; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death in 2021 by his twin brother, John Barrett, and his best friend & beloved Newfoundland, Bentley, in 2023.