Jim Barrett, 80, of Waterloo, died at UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital, Wednesday January 21, 2015 of natural causes.

He was born on May 27, 1934 in Macomb, IL son of William and Ceila (Lisenbee) Barrett. Jim married Jean Bauman in 1952 in Waterloo. For many years, Jim worked in the sheet metal field. He worked for John Deere for 22 years until retirement. He was also a member of the UAW Local 838.

Jim was a particularly talented musician, having a way with any instrument with strings, especially the guitar. He enjoyed working with his hands including creating stained glass projects and fixing up cars in his garage. Jim relished time pheasant hunting, fishing with his family, and watching his grandchildren grow up. Jim and Jean loved to travel and made their way around the United States and Canada.

He is survived by: his wife, son Mike (Nancy) Barrett of Waterloo, daughter Nancy (George) Smith of Waterloo, son Rick (Cindy) Barrett of Waterloo, daughter Jody (Robert) Juhl of Waterloo, son Tom (Nancy) Barrett of Washburn. Jim is also survived by nine grandchildren: Sam (Katie) Barrett, Teresa (Jason) Essmann, Eric (Brooke) Smith, James (Ashley) Smith, Amber (Matt) Suckow, Ben Barrett, Mitch (Kari) Juhl, Chelsea (Mike) Anderson, Molly Barrett as well as 13 great-grandchildren, one half-brother and two half-sisters of Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his parents and brothers Robert and William Barrett.