John James Barkman

John’s Story
John James Barkman passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2016, surrounded by the love of family and friends, just 5 days before his 79th birthday. Born in a farmhouse south of Dinuba, CA to Peter K and Agnes Barkman, John grew up in the Mennonite community, attending a 3 room country school house, and graduating from Immanuel Academy in Reedley. Working alongside his family and neighbors in dairy farming, fruit orchards and vineyards, he learned the value of hard work and independence. He also became aware, from early childhood, that singing was fun! Although farming was what was expected of him, John was inspired to follow his dreams, starting with private voice lessons in high school, enrolling in Reedley Community College, progressing on to a degree in music education from Occidental College, and culminating in a Master of Music Education.

There were struggles and challenges along the way. Most difficult was the death of his mother when John was 18, impacting his family circle. He became fiercely independent at that time, working tirelessly to make ends meet, and pay for his education. He had the resolve to overcome! He persevered, and there were brighter times. John met his first wife, Joyce Crocker, at Occidental College. They were married in 1961. Joyce shared his deep love of music. They, in turn, brought their passions to their careers as teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District. John's career there spanned 35 years, and included working with junior and senior high students in both music and math. In his "spare time," John served as a choir director, returned to private voice study, and practiced weekly with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, all the while managing apartment buildings and cultivating his own fruit, flower and vegetable gardens at his and Joyce's home in South Pasadena.

After Joyce’s premature death of cancer in 1992, John married Mary Berg in 1993. The two of them enjoyed many happy years of retirement in Pasadena. They traveled to 52 countries in their 22 ½ years of marriage. Inquisitive, intelligent and curious, they enjoyed these rich times of exploring fascinating people, places and cultures together. Mary's passion for family genealogy, traditions and relationships fueled a renewed connection with the Barkman and Johnson clans, and John was blessed with deepening family ties and relationships. Involvement in church and community activities included serving on various church and camp boards. Together they volunteered as tutors in their local elementary schools, and spent time working with missions, locally and abroad. John's garden kept them over-supplied with fresh fruits and vegetables, which they shared in gracious hospitality in their home. His woodworking hobby provided him with many hours of creativity, resulting in some very unique items! He loved hiking, biking and golf.
Mary and John moved to Mount Miguel Covenant Village three years ago. He planted a rose garden there, a lovely reminder to all of God's presence in both the thorns and the blossoms of life. There at MMCV, he continued to sing until just the last few weeks when his strength was waning. Somehow it is not hard to imagine that his voice is again sweet and strong as he auditions before his ultimate "Master" in heaven!

John is survived by his wife, Mary, and 4 nieces and their families: Joy (Tom) Yates, Carol (Darrell) Long, Melody Martin, and Marla Webb. These families include 64 members spanning four generations!
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 20, 11 am, at Community Covenant Church, 1835 Granite Hills Dr., El Cajon, CA 92019. A luncheon will follow. A private interment will be held in Dinuba, CA, at Zion Krimmer Mennonite Brethren Church Cemetery where he will be placed by his parents and grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to donor's choice or to Alpine Camp and Conference Center, for camp scholarships. PO Box 155, Blue Jay, CA 92317.