James Franklin Barkley

James Franklin Barkley, 74, of Sioux City died unexpectedly Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006, at his residence. Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Gary Snyder officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present from 5 to 8 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Mr. Barkley was born Nov. 23, 1931, in Sioux City, the son of Frank and Rose (Gruber) Barkley. He grew up and attended rural grade school. He also attended Trinity High School. In 1953, he entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany until 1955, when he was honorably discharged as a corporal.

He married Carol Jean Weber on June 4, 1956, in Danbury, Iowa. He worked as a semi tractor-trailer and refrigeration mechanic for numerous years in Sioux City. Farming in the Hinton, Iowa, area was his true fulfillment for his entire life.

In his retirement, he spent time each morning with friends at local coffee shops. He enjoyed restoring antique tractors and vehicles. He was a lifetime parishioner of St. Michael's Catholic Church. He also was a member of the American Legion Casper Post 477 of Hinton.

Survivors include his wife, Carol of Sioux City; he was the father to eight children, Bonnie Barkley, David Barkley, Ed Barkley and his wife, Janet, Larry Barkley, Steve Barkley and his wife, Shelly, Andy Barkley and Ann Barkley, all of Sioux City, 15 grandchildren, Kyle, Rachel, Erin, Joseph, Jennifer, Jared, Daniel, Chad, Jessica, Jake, Megan, Mack, Alex, Erik and Shay; and eight brothers and sisters, John Barkley and his wife, Sally and Mary Barkley, all of Sioux City, George Barkley and his wife, Rosemary of Merrill, Iowa, Mildred Albert and Tom Barkley, both of Sioux City, Madonna and her husband, Vince Hoefling of Hinton, Iowa, Rosemarie Messerlie of Sioux City and Bill Barkley and his wife, Mary Kay of Sioux City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Paul Barkley; and a grandson, Nick Barkley.

Pallbearers will be David, Ed, Larry, Steve, Andy and Jared Barkley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests offerings be directed to a memorial at St. Michael's Catholic Church.