Barbera, James George, “Jim”, passed away peacefully in Paradise Valley, AZ surrounded by his family on April 2, 2022, age 95.

Formerly of Menomonee Falls and Germantown, WI. Jim was born in Milwaukee on February 22, 1927, to parents Edward and Loretta Barbera.

Jim is now reunited with the love of his life and wife of 72 years, Glennie Barbera (nee Gussert). He married his High School sweetheart on August 30th, 1947. They started their family in Milwaukee, moving to Racine and finally settling in Menomonee Falls.

Loving father of Larry (Jan), Lynn Mitschke (Larry), Luanne Pepper, Bud (Pam), Lisa Winkler (Jim), Lewis (Martha). Seventeen grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Survived by his brother Jerry Barbera, and sister-in-law Carol Ertl, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim joined the Navy in February 1944, while still at Messmer High School and following the war enjoyed a 40-year service and sales career at Otis Elevator Company until he retired in 1989. A lifelong Catholic and member of St. Mary’s Menomonee Falls, he was also a past Grand Knight and 46-year member of All Saints Council 4240.

One of many highlights of retirement was becoming a professional tour caddy on the LPGA for his niece, Sue Ertl. Another was traveling on the WWII Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his daughter Lisa in November 2012.

Beside his family, his biggest passions were sports and fixing things. Jim was a handy man extraordinaire, being able to patch, paint, wire, fix, build or do anything we asked, and we all asked him a lot! He never went anywhere without his famous Otis toolbox.

Growing up he developed a love of sports, especially golf, softball, bowling and basketball. He played and coached much of his life and you could still find him on the course or at the lanes into his 90’s. He was also our Superfan, being at anything and everything his kids, grandkids and great grandkids were involved in.

His Sundays were spent lecturing at church, followed by breakfast out with friends or family, hitting a few golf balls at the driving range and then a sporting event to attend or watch on TV. His perfect day!

He kept his lifelong sense of humor until the end and although we usually rolled our eyes, we will be sad to never hear your “one-liners” again Dad!

The past few months were very hard, but you gave us the time to sit and talk with you or just sit and be with each other. We got to reminisce, to laugh, to cry and to say our goodbyes and for this we are grateful.

Dad, you will be loved, remembered and missed forever.

Thank you to Steve and Elizabeth at Paradise Valley Assisted Living for their love, care and compassion of “Papa”, we are so very grateful for you both.

A Service will be held on Wednesday, April 13th at 5:00 pm, Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home, N84W17937 Menomonee Avenue, Menomonee Falls, WI. Visitation from 3:30pm until the time of service.

Private interment at St. Mary’s Mausoleum.

To stream the service with your ZOOM account, please click here at time of service.