James Charles Barth was a man of strength: strong beliefs, strong friendships, strong will, and to his wife's frequent distress, strong language. Those who know him will recognize his passing on April 20, 2015 as one of the few quiet, peaceful things he's done in his vibrant life.

Born in New York, November 20, 1950, he was the son of Jacqueline McGee Barth Briano and the late Mathias Charles Barth. Jim was the essence of the Baby Boomer generation. He moved to the suburbs of New Jersey with his family at age five and lived the apple pie life. Although the nuns despaired of ever seeing him through Catholic grade school, he went on to public high school, played football, and enjoyed live concerts courtesy of the Ticketron connection his mother had at Macy's. His love of music was lifelong, and is a trait shared by both his children, Michelle and Matt. Live concerts featured in almost every great story Jim told about high school escapades, as did surfing at Sandy Hook.

In the late 60's, his generation struggled with patriotism versus Vietnam, and Jim's college attendance in Florida only delayed the inevitable. Following his college years, Jim enlisted in the Air Force, serving his country from 1971-1979. As part of the crew for AWACs, one military high point included serving as flight crew during Gerald Ford's tour of Europe in 1975.

Jim worked in the Department of Corrections for 25 years, including second shift at the infamous CCI Death Row while Pee Wee Gaskins was in residence. While a correctional officer at State Park Facility, he enjoyed James Brown, singer, cooking officers' morning breakfasts. With his wife, Denise, being a public school educator, Jim often said, "If you don't fix them now, I'll just have to fix them later."

An avid Nascar fan, sports fan, armchair quarterback, and Gamecock fan, Jim often had to be reminded the teams could not actually hear him when exhorting them to specific action. Neighbors were well aware of all sports current progress on any televised event.

Although a man's man, women would envy his wife, for Jim was one of the unusual men who remembered dates: birthdays, anniversaries, and other events, with the perfectly chosen card. He also could select beautiful shoes and jewelry without hints or lists. How rare!

The life of any party he attended, Jim said what he thought. Opinionated about politics, voting in every election, and a conservative patriot, Jim was a loyal friend and a faithful family man. In addition to his mother of NJ, he is survived by his wife, Denise LaRue Barth; daughter, Michelle Barth Fallucca (Chris); son, Mathias James Barth; granddaughter, Michi Christiana Fallucca; sisters, Kathryn Barth and Ellen Bloom (Brent) of NJ; and several nephews and one niece.
A graveside service for Mr. Barth will be held 11 o'clock, Monday, April 27th, at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 o'clock, Sunday afternoon, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd Ext, Columbia.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Mathias Barth's Educational Fund at Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, PO Box 5846, Columbia, SC 29250-5846.