James Barton

Jim celebrated his entry into eternal life on July 14th, 2009, after a brief hospitalization. He went home peacefully surrounded by his beloved wife and children. Jim was born on March 31, 1927, in Racine. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Racine. On October 14, 1950, Jim married Carol Mae Lubner. Jim was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Wausau for many years.











Jim served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He then became a Certified Public Accountant and worked in that profession during the early years of his marriage to Carol. In 1958, he left the field of public accounting to work for Appleton Coated Paper Company as an officer of the firm. In 1964, the Holy Spirit led Jim to resign his position to serve in Papua New Guinea as a missionary for the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod with his wife and four children. He served as the Treasurer and Business Manager of the mission field, trained the New Guineans in all areas of finance, and encouraged them in their spiritual lives.











In 1970, Jim returned to the United States and continued serving in the North Wisconsin District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, Wausau. Responsibilities included: District Treasurer, Business Administrator, Camp Luther Director, District Stewardship Counselor, and Lutheran Church Extension Fund Area V-P. In recognition of Jim’s Church Extension Fund leadership, dedication, and service he was honored as a charter member of the LCEF Silver Eagles. Jim retired in 1992 and continued serving in the Capital Funding Service until 2001, when effects of his Parkinson’s disease interfered with his speech.











Jim was dedicated to his family. He was an excellent teacher, passing on his financial and spiritual knowledge to his grandchildren. During his life he enjoyed gardening, fishing, golfing, Bible study, and reading. He loved taking Carol or family out to dinner and delighted in finding the perfect restaurant. Jim loved a challenge; displaying patience, perseverance, and humility, which accomplished the goal with the Lord’s help in all he tackled.











Jim is treasured as God’s special gift by his wife Carol. She will miss her partner, the other half of the ‘Christian S.W.A.T. Team!’, as Gregory calls them. Also mourning their well-loved and respected father are 1 daughter, Lynn (Paul) Gabriel, Athens; 3 sons, Gregory Barton, Wausau, Daniel Barton, Mosinee, and Jeffrey (Cheryl) Barton, Wausau; former daughter-in-laws, Lori Barton, Spooner, and Cindy Barton, Weston; 10 grandchildren, Cory (Lisa) Gabriel, Aaron (Beth) Gabriel, DeAnne Gabriel, David (Kelsey) Barton, Robin (Brody) Sunderland, Benjamin Barton, Andrew Barton, Trevor Barton, Cameron Barton, and Casey Barton; and 1 great-grandchild, Alex Gabriel. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Clara Barton, sister, Marilyn Blackwell, and brother, Robert Barton.











May Jim rest in peace, and may we all take comfort in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” all to the glory of God.











Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday July 18, 2009 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Wausau. Visitation will be Friday July 17, 2009 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.











In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod - World Relief, Lutheran Church Extension Fund, or Papua New Guinea Mission Society