Obituary of James J. Barry

James Joseph Barry, 97, formerly of North Syracuse was called home to the Lord on May 27, 2014 in Boyton Beach Florida. He was born on Tipperary Hill in Syracuse on October 31, 1916. Jim was one of fourteen children of the Barry family. Jim graduated from Solvay High School and Central City Business Inst. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Nielson in December 1939, and had three children, James Jr., Patricia, and Daniel. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served honorably until 1945. Jim and Betty moved to North Syracuse and was employed by Syracuse Constructors. In 1954 he ran for Village Trustee and was the first Democrat ever elected in North Syracuse. He was then elected Mayor of North Syracuse in March of 1955 by a purality of seven votes. He served as Mayor for 10 years during which he made many improvements, including the sewer system for the North Syracuse Area. In 1964, Jim ran for the New York Assembly and won, serving until 1969. As Mayor, Jim built The John F. Kennedy Swimming Pool which was dedicated by Jim and Sen. Robert Kennedy who became a very close friend. Jim became Executive Director of the Onondaga County Master Plumbers Association until he was 85 years old, retiring with his wife, Betty, to Boyton Beach, Florida. Jim was an avid golfer who golfed in the 80's. Jim was pre-deceased by his devoted wife, Betty, daughter, Patricia, and son, Danny. He is survived by his son, James, six grand-children, nine-great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Services and burial in Veterans Cemetery will be private.