James W. Barrett, had illustrious naval career
Commander James W. Barrett, USN (Ret.) passed away peacefully at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford March 20, 2020. Jim was born in Baltimore, Md., Sept. 14, 1945. He was the son of the late Dorothy and Frank Barrett.
Jim was predeceased by his brother Ensign Daniel Barrett, USN (USNA '71). Jim was a 1963 graduate of Towson High School in Towson, Md., where he excelled playing baseball and soccer. He was recruited to play soccer at the Naval Academy but a leg injury plebe year prevented him from playing. He graduated from USNA with the class of 1967, 5th company.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine (Durkin) Barrett; two sons, Christopher (Lauren) and Michael (Katherine); stepchildren Elizabeth (Dean) Steele, Edward (Kristen) Durkin, Catherine Keely and Patrick (Kimberly) Durkin; nine grandchildren, Joshua (Kristen) Steele, Garrett Steele, Patrick Steele, Joseph Durkin, William Durkin, Zachary Durkin, Shawn Keely, Kylie Durkin, Molly Durkin; and great-grandson Wyatt Steele.
After graduating from the Naval Academy and completing flight training, Jim served four years in patrol squadron VP-16 homeported in Jacksonville, Fla., flying the P-3 Orion antisubmarine patrol aircraft. He deployed to Spain, Italy and South America during his tour with VP-16. His next tour was at the Bureau of Naval Personnel as the P-3 placement officer. Following his tour at Naval Personnel, the Navy sent Jim to George Washington University where he earned an MBA in financial management.
His next duty station was in the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) as communications officer. Jim was proud to be an IKE Plank Owner and to be one of the ship's first officers to qualify as officer of the deck underway. His next tour was with VP-56 as operations officer. Following his tour with VP-56, Jim became an Aeronautical Engineering Duty Officer where he specialized in the procurement, maintenance and repair of aircraft. His last two Navy assignments were with the Naval Air Systems Command where he was directly responsible for the funding, development, procurement and support for new and retrofit P-3 programs.
Upon retiring from the Navy, Jim bought and operated a bed & breakfast in St. Michaels, Md. In 2006, he retired to Lewes. He was a member of the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club, Military Officers Association, USNA Alumni Association, and the Realtors Association of Sussex County.
Jim was a true American patriot who was proud of his country and his 20 years of naval service. He loved playing golf, attending USNA football games, and supporting the Baltimore Orioles. Jim was a member of The Episcopal Parish of All Saints’ and St. George's Chapel. A memorial will be held at a later date to be announced.
