James J. Barden

James John Barden, 89, of Coventry, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2022. He joins his wife of 65 years, Leona (Camire) Barden, who passed away in 2015.

The son of John and Alice (Selwyn) Barden, Jim was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1932. He grew up in South Providence and attended Saint Michael’s School and LaSalle Academy. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Korean War, where he flew thirty bombing missions as a B-29 radio operator. He later served in the Rhode Island Air National Guard for 27 years. He received two Air Medals and the Meritorious Service Medal.

He was a graduate of the New England Technical Institute and Naval Apprenticeship Program, subsequently working as an electronics technician and computer programmer at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station for 16 years. He then transferred to the Naval Submarine Base New London, where he was employed as a computer specialist supporting submarine simulators and trainers. He retired in 1988 as program management unit director for the submarine school.

Jim is remembered for being very active in his community. He was a regular communicant and usher at Saints John & Paul Church in Coventry for over 60 years.  He was involved in the Coventry Little League when his sons were young, and was a long-time member of Club Jogues in Coventry. He was also a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 2.  He enjoyed being active, continuing to work part-time as a driver for Harris Furs after his retirement. He also volunteered with DAV Transportation Network at the Veterans Medical Center in Providence for many years, transporting fellow veterans to and from their medical appointments.

He leaves behind two sons, James Barden with his wife Catherine of Coventry, and Timothy Barden of Costa Mesa, California. He also leaves behind two stepdaughters, Linda (Erban) with her husband Gregory Czop, and Dianne (Erban) Varr. He is predeceased by his stepson, the late Ray “Skip” Erban. He has 5 grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren who will miss him dearly. Jim treasured spending time with his grandchildren, and had a great influence on their lives. 

His funeral will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. from the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence St., West Warwick followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in SS. John & Paul Church, 341 South Main St., Coventry.  Interment with military honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich.  Visiting hours Monday 4:00-7:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saint Vincent De Paul Society Coventry Council for their Saturday morning Grab and Go Meals for the elderly.  Donations can be mailed to Saint Vincent de Paul Church, 6 St. Vincent de Paul Street, Coventry, RI  02816.  Information and condolences please visit: www.PrataGallogly.com

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