Wife, daughter of deceased pressman remember his energy
Lisa Barge was looking forward to having her husband, James Barge, home more often, so the two could spend more time engaging with their church, working around the house and spending time with their new granddaughter.
James’ death in the early morning hours Thursday, May 4, 2023, was even more crushing because it came two weeks before his retirement from working as a pressman at the Butler Eagle. The Barges were looking forward to enjoying time together.
“He was energetic,” Lisa said. “He would paint, he would take care of anything around the house, be with our kids and grandchildren.”
Lisa said she and James recently celebrated 44 years of marriage. They were married in 1979 in a Baptist church and honeymooned in Hilton Head, S.C. The couple was talking about returning to their honeymoon spot once James retired, she said.
Lisa said James’ retirement plans also included being more involved with their church, Calvary Independent Church in New Castle, where he was an active member for at least 35 years. An elder of the church, he taught Sunday school and was in the choir.
Lisa said James liked working with younger parishioners in youth group, particularly by “sharing (his) knowledge and interacting with the kids.”
“He was always very involved with the church,” she said.
James followed in his family’s footsteps professionally. His father, Russell Barge, was a printer at the New Castle News for 43 years, where James also worked prior to joining the Butler Eagle staff. James’ grandfather worked in the newspaper business as well, Lisa said.
“It's what he knew and he was pretty good at it,” she said of James’ work. “He liked pressman work.”
Andrea Wagner, the couple’s daughter, said there are many things she will remember about her father, but first and foremost is that he was a Christian.
“He was a man of God,” she said. "I know where he is.“
