James Franklin Barker, age 87 of Forest City died Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at his home.  James was born on September 10, 1938, in Gaston County, North Carolina but was raised in Hickory, North Carolina.  He was a son of the late Reginald Clifford Barker and Eubulus Clark Barker. 

He worked as a Heavy Equipment and Crane Operator for Duke Power Company where he retired after many years’ service. He also served his country in the United States Navy. James was the oldest member of Goodes Creek Baptist Church, and he loved his church and church family.  He was a Little League Umpire for more than 50 years and a former member of the Rutherford County Rescue Squad.  For many years he volunteered reading with the children at Forrest Hunt Elementary School.    

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Peggy Waters Barker who died in 2021.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth Arthur Barker and wife Denise of Forest City, his daughter, Teresa Barker Dalton and husband Kevin of Forest City, his brother, Regionald Barker and wife Pat of Lexington, South Carolina, and his grandchildren, Ashley Jones and husband, Justin, John Barker and wife, Brandy, Mary Beth Coco and husband, Michael, and Lucas Barker; eleven great-grandchildren, Ansley Jones, Adley Jones, Jake Barker, Taylor Barker, Blaze Barker, Johna Barker, Mabry Coco, Isaac Coco, Bella Kate Coco, Vera Coco, and Luna Coco.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Goodes Creek Baptist Church with the Reverend Dale Welch and Reverend Kenneth Linder officiating.  Interment will follow at Race Path Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o’clock on Saturday evening at The Padgett and King Mortuary.

The family will be at the home on Morgan Street, in the Sandy Mush Community.

The Padgett and King Mortuary and Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com