James Ralph Barlow

Funeral services for James Ralph Barlow, 85, of Dallas, TX, are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. Burial will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour before the service time.

James passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Sunnyvale, Texas.

James Ralph Barlow was born on December 10, 1939, in Wills Point, TX, to parents Ralph Barlow and Louis Margaret Brannon Barlow. He was raised in Edgewood, Texas, graduating from Edgewood High School. James honorably served his country in the United States Army, serving in post-Korean War South Korea. He married Jessie Barbara (“Bobbie”) Morris Todd on September 25, 2005, at Holy Trinity Church in Dallas, Texas, and they made their home in Seagoville, Texas. James was a master plumber, pipe fitter, and welder for his local union for over 40 years before retiring in 2001.

James loved the Lord and Jesus all his life and always spoke the praise of His name. He was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church in Dallas, serving in men’s groups and as an usher during Sunday services.

James and his wife Bobbie traveled the United States and the world together. Some of their favorite places included Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and New England. Other highlights of their travels include visits to Costa Rica, Italy, Greece, France, Belgium, England, Ireland, Scotland, Russia and Portugal. James, to the chagrin of his wife, went skydiving several times. He loved nature and was an avid gardener, beekeeper, hunter, and angler. James loved life and people, always engaging in conversation with anyone. Learning to cook for large groups of people in the Army, James developed a passion for cooking for his wife, family and friends, especially during the holidays when he would host large gatherings. James’s famous chili won chili cook-offs at his church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Louis Barlow; grandparents, Sam and Maggie Barlow and Jess and Ada Ozella Brannon.

James is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie of Garland, Texas; sister Joy Christensen; son, Bryan, and wife Daphne Barlow of New Braunfels, Texas; daughter, Lisa Ann of San Antonio, Texas. James is also survived by his grandchildren: Emily and husband Jon Wilson, Amy and husband Justin Kaelin, Matthew Barlow, Hollie Vogel, Steve Hernandez Jr., and Rachel Hernandez. James’ great-grandchildren include Oliver Garcia, Elijah Garcia, Avery Wilson, Jacob Thomas Wilson, Bradley Vogel, Aria Hernandez, Scarlett Hernandez and Faie Hernandez.

James also loved and considered the family of his wife, Bobbie, as his own. These include Angie and husband Scott Peterson, Kristie and husband Brett Banner, David and wife Becky Todd, and Katie Todd. Grandchildren include Jessica Null, Holly Peterson, Jordan Peterson, Cole Banner, Meagan and husband Michael Cotter, and Kayt Banner. Great-grandchildren are Cadence Null, Conner Null, and Hudson Banner.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to missions for St. James Episcopal Church: 9845 McCree Rd, Dallas, TX 75238 or www.stjamesdallas.org/give/

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