James M Barber, Sr. (Mick), passed away unexpectedly on February 16, 2024. Mick was born February 23,
1962 in Van Nuys, Calf., and traveled throughout his childhood with parents Jim and Rose Barber,
settling in Ashland, Kentucky. Mick moved to Fort Myers and settled in Tampa, Florida where he met and
married his wife, Carol West, in 1987.
He is survived and missed by his son Corey Barber, of Tampa, his father Jim Barber, of Kentucky, and his
girlfriend of six years Mary Christi Deal, of Tampa. He is preceded in death by his mother, Rose Barber,
his brother, Wes Barber, and his beloved wife, Carol Barber.
Mick graduated with his Bachelor of Science from Michigan University. He joined the Conmed Linvatec family in 1993 and pursued his career in medical manufacturing engineering where he stayed for over 30 years. Mick's co-workers became like family and Mick has touched many of their hearts spreading kindness and knowledge across the organization. In his free time, Mick enjoyed playing disc golf. Often participating in disc golf tournaments around the country. A passion he has held close to his heart for over 10 years. Mick was a gracious disc golf player often playing for the fun of the game with his friends, never boasting about his many winnings and aces, and often mentoring players on how to improve their game. He was a lighthearted man who didn't take life too seriously and his character shone brightly as he played in many national disc golf tournaments. Over the years Mick found joy traveling with his family going on cruises to the Caribbean and taking road trips through the Carolina and Tennessee mountains. He took pleasure in spending time outdoors especially water sports. Whether he was walking on the beach, boating, water skiing, or rafting, he was enjoying the time spent with his friends and family.
Mick provided a helping hand throughout his life to others and brought a smile to many faces of the people who had the pleasure of knowing him. He has instilled the importance of genuine love, hard work and kindness in his friends and family and his legacy will live on through them.