James A. Barber, 76, of Burnsville, Minn., formerly of Austin, Minn., passed away on May 25, 2012, at Fairview Ridges Hospital.

James was born Jan. 26, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio. James was a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School and Kent State University. He was a member of ROTC and served two years in active duty at Fort Eustis, Va. Jim married his high school sweetheart and they celebrated 54 years of marriage together.

Jim moved to Austin, Minnesota where he retired after 30 years serving as the director of transportation and distribution for Hormel Foods. Upon retiring, he moved to Burnsville. He took great pride in being a family man and excelled as a husband, father, and grandfather. Throughout his life Jim was involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s sports and activities.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jeff. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Barber; sons, Scott (Sally) and Steve (Nancy) Barber; daughter-in-law, Colleen Barber; grandchildren Max, Sydney, Stephanie, Allison, Olivia, Amelia and Julia. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2012, at Prince of Peace Church, 13901 Fairview Dr., Burnsville MN with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to service. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to the American diabetes association. Condolences may be given online at www.whitefuneralhomes.com