Illinois Lawyer James Patrick Barr Dies at 80
James Patrick Barr, an 80-year-old man from Wood River, Illinois, passed away on September 11, 2026. He was born in Alton, Illinois, on August 18, 1946.
Barr attended St. Bernard's Grade School and Chaminade College Prep High School before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in '68 and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in '69 from Notre Dame University. He also earned a Juris Doctor degree from Lewis University College of Law in 1978 and a Master of Laws degree from John Marshall Law School in 1989.
Barr served two years in the US Army, stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and in South Korea. Before becoming a lawyer, he worked as an engineer in various companies including Illinois Tool Works, Semiconductor Specialists, and Honeywell. For 26 years, he was a trial defense attorney for Allstate Insurance.
A private Mass was held on September 16, 2026, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, with burial at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey, IL. Memorials may be made to Holy Angels Parish in Wood River, IL.