James Barr, Jr
November 5, 1925 — October 1, 2017
James "Frank" Franklin Barr Jr.
November 5, 1925 - October 1, 2017
James "Frank" Franklin Barr, Jr. departed this life on October 1, 2017 at the age of 91 in Ormond Beach, Florida. Born in Concord, North Carolina, on November 5, 1925, he spent most of his adult life as a resident of Alexandria, Virginia. Frank enjoyed a long career in education as a highly regarded music director in Alexandria, VA and high school math teacher in Falls Church, VA. He graduated from Concord High School, Davison College (BS), the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (MEd, organ and clarinet) and the University of Indiana (MEd, math). Frank was a devoted son to his parents, James Franklin Barr, Sr. and Mary Jane Allen Barr of Concord, NC. In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by sisters and brother, Nell Barr Allison, Rachael Barr Durgin, Ellie Barr Cress, and James Howard (Buck) Barr, all of Concord, and his sister, Grace Barr Cook, of Charlotte. His life-long friend and accomplished pianist and educator, James (Jim) Miller of Alexandria, VA, preceded him in death in 2002. While he never married or had children of his own, Frank was loved and admired by his numerous nieces and nephews, with whom he was deeply involved and for whom he provided inspiration and encouragement. Frank was an excellent musician who loved music, theatre and the arts. He enjoyed adventure, traveled extensively and was an avid boater and fisherman. He was a gracious host and loved to entertain friends and family in his home in Alexandria and his beach house in the Outer Banks. Sophisticated, fun, energetic and creative, Frank was a gifted raconteur. He entertained all with stories of his latest adventures. Although limited by the lingering effects of a stoke suffered in 2003, Frank continued to welcome friends and family to his beach-front home in Ormond Beach as long as he was able.
A memorial service was held October 9, 2017 at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Port Orange FL. A graveside service will be held 2 pm Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Dulin's Grove Advent Christian Church Cemetery, (a church founded by his great grandfather Dulin), 11200 Arlington Church Road, Charlotte, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Frank's memory to Dulin's Grove Advent Christian Church (Cemetery Fund).