James (Jim) Barrett died September 6, 2026. Born in 1936 to Frank and Ethyl Barrett, he was a lifelong resident of the Montpelier/Berlin area. Jim was a noted athlete at Montpelier High School and Norwich University. At MHS, he was captain of all three varsity sports teams in his senior year. He was a member of the Montpelier State Championship Legion Baseball Team in 1953. He was also the first player picked for the first VT-NH Shrine Football Team, in 1953 - 1954.

Jim joined the Vermont National Guard as a sophomore at MHS, and served for 18 years while in high school, Norwich University and the U.S. Army and Reserves.

In 1958, Jim graduated from Norwich University as a lieutenant, magna cum laude and was awarded the President's Medal for three consecutive years as a varsity athlete with the highest scholastic standing. While at NU, he served as president of his fraternity and an editor of the college yearbook, The War Whoop. As a Norwich student and while serving in the 124th AAA unit of the Vermont National Guard, he was chosen to be in the Honor Guard for President Eisenhower's visit to Vermont in 1956.

After military service as an officer, Jim joined the family business. In 1964, he purchased The Trading Post and Real Estate Company from his father, expanding it into commercial real estate, storage facilities and various other businesses in Washington County. Jim was a well-known workaholic and worked 6 - 7 days per week up until his death.

As a younger man, Jim enjoyed hunting and in addition to the Vermont hunting seasons, he hunted in the Rocky Mountains and Alaska. For many years he coached Montpelier Little League and Flag Football. He also officiated high school and college football and basketball. He was the last St. Michael's High School basketball coach before the school closed.

Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Susan; sister Edwina; sons Kelly (partner Diana) and Pat (wife Colleen); daughter Suzanne (husband David LeCours); four grandchildren, Bayley LeCours Magnan (husband Josh), Megan LeCours Romeo (husband Brad), Alyssa Barrett (fiancé Dillon) and Conor Barrett; and great-grandchildren, Emery and Griffin LeCours and Leo James Magnan. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother Skip; and his son Barry James in 2006.

The family extends their deep gratitude to the staff at CVMC and CVHHH for their compassionate care during Jim's final days.

There will be no visiting hours. A private celebration of Jim's life will be held on a future date.

Arrangements are in the care of Guare & Sons Funeral Home. To share online condolences, please visit www.guareandsons.com.