Jack J. Barry

August 28, 1930 - November 11, 2016

JACK J. BARRY, 86 of Grant, passed away Friday, November 11, 2016, surrounded by his family, at the Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant. Jack was born August 28, 1930 in Bladen, Nebraska to Jack F. and Reva (Cox) Barry and was baptized April 1, 1934. Jack attended Grant Elementary School and graduated from Perkins County High School with the class of 1949. On April 30, 1950, Jack was united in marriage to Rose Gengenbach in the Grant United Methodist Parsonage. Their union would be blessed with 5 children. The couple had made their home in Paxton for a year before returning to Grant, where Jack worked at the creamery owned by his parents. He worked various jobs, including well drilling for Haggards in Imperial for several years. In the early 1980's, Jack began working as a custodian at the Grant Elementary School which he did until his retirement in May of 2000. As an adult Jack became a member of Zion Lutheran Church where he enjoyed fellowship with friends and family. Jack was passionate about athletics throughout his life. In his younger years, his fiercely competitive spirit drove him to great success in basketball, baseball and football. When Jack's children came of age to compete, he proved to be their biggest and often loudest supporter in the stands, even if it meant having to sit by himself at times. As the years passed, Jack and Rose enjoyed traveling to see family and following the sporting exploits of their grandchildren. Age never diminished Jack's passion for sport, and in many ways, athletics provided Jack with a means of showing his family just how much he cared for them. He was a very hard worker, but when he was home, his attentions were devoted to his family. Often their time would be spent outside, playing basketball or just playing catch. Many wonderful memories were made in the Barry family at sporting events over the years, the recollection of which is often intermingled with the smell of popcorn and roars of an impassioned crowd, which is just how Jack would have wanted it. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Joan O'Connor and Vona Ourada. Survivors include his wife, Rose Barry of Grant; children, Barbara Barry (Tim Smith) of Danbury, WI, Patty (Mark) Jones of Lexington, Mike (Jeannette) Barry of Wayne, Linda (Brian) Kirkpatrick, Plainfield, IL, Lana (Jeff) Knupp of Woodbury, MN; 13 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Roger (Bonnie) Barry of Omaha, Ron (Sandra) Barry of Santa Anna, CA; sister, Joyce (Jim) Salsman of Grant; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences can be shared online at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend. Services will be on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 10:30am at Zion Lutheran Church in Grant with Pastor Ben Francisco officiating. Burial will follow at the Grant Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, November 14th from 4pm to 7pm at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant, NE. Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.