Jim Lee Barr

Jim (Jimmy) Lee Barr, age 87 of Panama City Beach, Florida formerly of Jefferson City, TN, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

Jim was born on August 5, 1939, in Jonesboro, Tennessee, to the late Carl and Rose Barr.

Jim was a graduate of Sulphur Springs High School where he excelled in Baseball and Basketball. After graduating from High School, Jim attended Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee where he earned a B.S. Degree in Biology and played baseball for four years. As a pitcher, Jim had a record of 35 wins and 4 losses. He earned a master's degree in School Administration and Supervision from East Tennessee State University.

Upon graduating from Carson-Newman College, Jim worked 18 wonderful years in the Jefferson County, Tennessee school system: Rush Strong High School as Biology Teacher & Basketball & Baseball Coach, Principal of Maury High School, and Superintendent of Schools. Also, Jim served as baseball coach at Walters State Community College and Director of Community Education Programs at Gulf Coast State College, in Panama City, Florida for 16 years, retiring in April 2016. Following his retirement, Jim served as Business Development Manager for AFC (American Family Care) in Panama City Beach, Florida for 2 years and at time of his death was serving as Case Manager for the Panama City Rescue Mission.

Jim was very active in the Panama City Beach community, He served as President of Guardian Ad Litem Board of Directors, President of the Miracle League of the Emerald Coast Board of Directors, Vice President of the Panama City Beach Senior Center Foundation Board of Directors and was an active member of the Panama City Beach Rotary Club for 17 yrs. where he was selected as the Rotarian of the year and recipient of the Paul Harris Award. Jim was an active member of ~ The Church at the Beach ~ Panama City Beach

Jim had a passion for baseball. He continued to pitch for Team America in the Forever Young Baseball World Series until his death. He was the recipient of the Most Valuable Player award and at the age of 82 was recognized as the fastest throwing pitcher in the World Series. At the age of 85, Jim pitched his team to a World Championship and was recipient of the MVP award.

Jim will be remembered for his caring spirit, compassionate heart, and expressed gratitude.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Rose Barr, his Sister, Molly, Brother, Lloyd, and daughter-in-law, Bobbie Jo Barr.

Those left to cherish his memory include son, Jeff, daughter, Robin & son-in-law, Nico Geurs, granddaughter, Emmeline Geurs, and grandson, Lucas Geurs.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Church at the Beach, designated for youth baseball ~ Dr. Jay Powell, Pastor ~ The Church at the Beach, 10620 Hutchison Blvd. Panama City Beach, Florida 32407 -or- The Panama City Rescue Mission, 609 Allen Ave. ~ Panama City, Florida 32401.  Funeral services will be held, Sunday, November, 1, 2026, 3:00pm at the Chapel of Farrar Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Matthews and former students, Jerry Loveday and Dennis Murphy officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00pm to 3:00pm prior to the Funeral Service.

The graveside interment and committal service will be held Saturday, 11:00am at Sulphur Springs Cemetery, 152 Bayless Rd., Jonesboro, TN. 

ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME,  DANDRIDGE, TN 37725