James Marshall Barton

James Marshall Barton was born in Fort Worth, Texas on November 14, 1950. He passed from this world at age 73, on July 31, 2024, surrounded by loving family and friends.
James was raised in Joshua, Texas by parents Ernest Young Barton and Winnie Verda Marshall Barton and would brag that he's lived in the same place since 1950. It seems like everyone in town or surrounding area were cousins, kinfolk or somehow related to James.
He attended grades 1-12 in Joshua, making many lifelong friends and graduating in 1969. James was pleased to recently attend his 55-year reunion with his graduating class. He was avid in sports, mainly football, and frequently his conversations would circle back to the time his team won this or that game, reliving his glory days once again. To this day, you can find his sports related memorabilia in the trophy case at the high school.
James went on to attend Texas Wesleyan University obtaining his bachelor's degree and furthered his studies to obtain his masters degree at Texas Christian University. Education was very important to him, and he often encouraged young people he encountered to further their academic career.
James was an aggressive, motivated individual, a hard worker, dabbling in many careers throughout his lifetime. He was responsible for starting up several businesses over the years, such as Barton Real Estate/Insurance, Brazos Excavating and Aqua Tank Manufacturing. James installed septic systems all over Johnson and surrounding counties and could point out to this day which ones he installed and for whom. He worked in manufacturing for several years, both at Industrial Screw Corporation and Orthman Manufacturing and most recently with Boone and Miller MST Bar.
James was blessed with a magnetism that drew people in. He could recall the names and circumstances of those he met, making each feel special and remembered. He was a motivator, an encourager and a friend. People would often call for his assistance and he would always be ready to help. His self-motto was "I'll never refuse accommodation" and he didn't.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Winnie Barton, his son, Joshua Barton, sister, Joann Clark, brothers, Don Shimkus, Tony Shimkus, Marty Shimkus, Ray Keeler, Bobby Keeler, and Bubba Howell.
He is survived by his wife, Jan Barton, of Joshua; Son, Marshall Barton and wife, Tasha, of Joshua; Daughter, Brandy Barton, of Fort Worth; Stepsons Shane Stephenson and wife, Nicole, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Josh Stephenson and wife, Ashley, of Cleburne, and Trent Stephenson, of Dallas; Stepdaughters Sarah Williams and husband, Chris, of Prosper and Emily Leigh and husband, Cody, of Cleburne; Grandchildren, Bain Barton, Brier Barton, Jack Stephenson, Molly Stephenson, Charlotte Williams, Savannah Williams, Landry Leigh, Logan Leigh, Millie Leigh, Matt Sleadd, John Sleadd, and Caleb Sleadd; and other family members and friends.