James Michael Barrett, age 80, passed away early Monday morning at the home he shared with his wife, Elaine Loretta (McCormack) Barrett, for over 52 years.  He loved model trains, collecting stamps and coins, and Ritz crackers when it snowed.

Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Mr. Barrett was the devoted son of the late Daniel Barrett and Margaret T. (Thompson) Barrett, and the loving grandson of the late Stephen Joseph and Ellen C. (Flynn) Thompson.  He was also predeceased by three uncles, the Right Reverend Monsignor Michael P. Thompson, Attorney Francis J. Thompson, and Edward J. Thompson, about whom he spoke with great affection throughout his life.

After graduating from Saint John's Preparatory School in Danvers in 1957, Mr. Barrett enlisted in the military, and served in the United States Army Security Agency during the Cold War—stationed in Germany between 1961 and 1964.  Upon his return from overseas, Mr. Barrett obtained a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Bentley University and a master's degree in Business Administration from Suffolk University.  He later worked as an accountant for several companies, including Wang Laboratories, Mellon Bank, and Inception Technologies (whose President, Raymond Feoli, Mr. Barrett regarded as family).

But the joy of his life was the family he built with his wife Elaine: eldest son Daniel and his wife Danielle Barrett, and their sons Ryan, Aidan, and Nathan Barrett; daughter Joanna Martinuk and her husband James, and their sons Foster and Griffin Martinuk; and son Stephen and his wife Jorgelina Barrett.  He devoted his life to the interests and betterment of his children and grandchildren, finding happiness and pride in whatever passions and endeavors each of them chose to pursue.

Mr. Barrett is also survived by his sister Ellen Shockley and her husband Richard of Commerce, Georgia, and his nephew, Brian Shockley.

A visitation will be held on Thursday October 3, 2019, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, located at 85 Federal Street, Salem.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral on Saturday, October 5 at 9:00 A.M. in St. James Church, 161 Federal St. Salem. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  For online guest book or additional information please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.