James E. “Barney” Fife

James E. “Barney” Fife of Lebanon, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at his home. He was 86. James was born on January 9, 1939, to the late Eva M. (Bose) Fife and the late John Fife.

Raised and educated in the Delphi area, he married Phillis Eubanks in 1960. They were divorced. He raised six daughters. In 1983 he married the former Charlotte Padgett. She preceded him in death on January 12, 2013.

In 1965 James went to work for Shumate Business Forms and worked there for 37 years, retiring in 2002.

He was a member of Lodge #9 F. & A.M., and an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, having served as Worthy Patron four times. He was very active in his local GCIU #M17, having served several years as Shop Steward and several years later, the Union Executive Board. At his retirement he was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership. James also took several labor studies at IUPUI.

He enjoyed old movies, traveling, and family times. James had won an Editor’s Choice Award with one of his poems that was published by the International Library of Poetry.

Survivors include his six daughters, Patricia (Chuck) Seeright of Frankfort, Rebecca (Clay) Carroll of Spencer, Carol Klem of Frankfort, Pamela (Nathan) Laughner of Forest, Tina Moss of Seagoville, Texas, and Judith (James) Hall of Frankfort; sister, Phyllis (Keith) Jones of Camden, twenty grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

In addition to his parents and wife, James was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Lou Miller; great grandson, Rylan Seeright; and son-in-law, Eric Moss.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will follow at Lincoln Memory Gardens in Boone County, Indiana.

Memorials may be made in his memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.