James Barrett Obituary

Rev. James K. Barrett, of Coraopolis, was born on Jan. 7, 1941, in Punxsutawney, to the late Raymond and Olive (Anthony) Barrett. He was raised in Dayton and was one of eight children, remaining especially close to his beloved brothers and sisters. In the early hours of Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at 5:45 a.m., James was called from his earthly home to his Eternal Home in Glory. On June 22, 1963, James married the love of his life and a woman of deep faith, Judy Hope Snyder. Together they were blessed with four loving children: Jamie (Bob) Swedron, Dr. Randall (Allison) Barrett, Mary Beth Barrett, and Patrick (Jennifer) Barrett. Their family grew to include 10 cherished grandchildren: Ryan (Kayla) and Brooke Barrett; Nate and Ashley Fink; Owen, Sharlyn, Shaylee, and Bradley Barrett; and Randall Jr. and Jane Barrett; as well as four precious great-grandchildren: Austin, Novalee, Ariela, and Niomi. James answered God's call to ministry in January 1963. He and Judy moved to New York State, where he earned his bachelor's degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. He later attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY, earning his Master of Divinity in 1970. His first pastoral assignment was at the United Methodist Church in Midway, where he faithfully served as head pastor for three years. In 1973, following God's leading, James founded Greater Pittsburgh Bible Church, which later became New Life Fellowship. He served as senior pastor there until 1994. He was then called to establish the Church of Grace and Glory, where he ministered until his retirement in 2018. James' life mission was to joyfully share the good news of Jesus Christ through both word and deed so that his family, his church, and his community would know and embrace God's love and promises. Pastor Jim's desire was that everyone he encountered would understand that Jesus loved them and had a wonderful plan for their lives. James was preceded in death by his brothers, Rev. Eugene Barrett, Lyle Barrett, Verle Barrett, and Rev. Raymond Barrett. He is survived by his sisters, Patricia (Venton) Hetrick, Irene Alyn, and Paula (Herman) Reedy; and many loving nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at COPELAND FUNERAL HOME, 867 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, 15108. A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Zack Blair, will immediately follow the visitation. A burial service for close family and friends will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Milton Cemetery, in Milton, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hill City Church, 307 Merchant Lane, Pittsburgh, PA, 15205.