James Coy Barkman

James Coy Barkman, age 63, resident of Oregon, Ohio, passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by love, on March 2, 2026. He was born on September 15, 1962, in Coldwater, Michigan, to Robert and Bonnie (Hord) Barkman.

James lived with his father on a farm from the time he was 9 years old. The stories he would share about the work and hours would make a normal person cringe. He would tell them as if he were reliving them, always with a smile. He loved the farm and spending time out there learning new things. In his twenty’s, James joined the Army and ended up stationed in Korea on the DMZ during the 1988 Olympics. He told many stories about driving the trucks on the narrow roads. After Korea, he was part of the reserves for another 4 years.

James had a remarkable talent for cooking, often delighting those around him with his culinary creations. His world-renowned meatloaf or scalloped potatoes were a favorite among family and friends, and his cakes and cookies were always a welcomed treat at gatherings. Beyond his passion for cooking, James also had a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. He enjoyed kayaking and fishing, capturing serene moments on the water and relishing the beauty of nature. His love of gardening allowed him to nurture life in every sense, as he dedicated time to cultivating plants. He also had a keen affinity for PC gaming and listening to music. What truly set James apart was his commitment to helping people. He possessed a genuine heart that thrived on ensuring the well-being of others. James had an old-fashioned mentality about people and he didn’t meet many that he couldn’t befriend. If you needed help, he would offer and help. He always wanted to make others’ happy.

James was a very social guy. He loved to be around people and he always seemed to become the entertainer of the group. Later in life, he and some friends formed a band called “Crosswinds”, and they played at Local VFW’s and outdoor gatherings. He was the lead singer and had a great voice and could play the guitar a lot by ear.

He cherished his family above all, and it was evident in the way he often spoke about his siblings and other loved ones. His fond memories and stories of them were a source of joy for him.

Those left to forever cherish his memory are his loving wife, Dayna (Lamberton) Barkman; children, Courtney, David, Josh, Krystal; son-in-law, Mike; cats, Headie and Purrl; brother, Tim (Cherri) Clements; and sisters, Patty (Erik) Weck, Tammy (Roy) McCoy.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Barkman Jr.

Family and friends may gather at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Road, Oregon, Ohio 43616, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by visiting www.alivingtribute.org