James Edmund Barr

James Edmund Barr, 92, of Freeport, NY, died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, peacefully at St. Catherine’s of Sienna Rehab & Nursing Home in Smithtown, NY.

Jim was born in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Joseph and Helen (Cosgrove) Barr. One of five children, Jim attended LaSalle Academy. He worked most of his life in Sales, then applied his Naval experience and his US Merchant Marine Officer's license, becoming a proud owner of the Captain II and creating the marine business of Barr Environmental. He married Margaret "Peggy" St. Jacques on May 26, 1956, and they were together until her death in 2020. They went on to have 8 children during their 64 years of marriage.

Jim was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes in Massapequa, NY, and Our Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Freeport, NY, where he was a devoted member of the choir for many years. His love of singing and music never waned. Jim would gladly break into song when anyone would listen and his lovely Irish tenor voice prompted many requests. He was a fine storyteller, avid reader, and gardener. Jim's golfing interests even resulted in a "hole in one" at St. Andrews in Scotland, of all places! His greatest passion was well known to be fishing and boating. He was referred to as "Captain" by many friends and family who were influenced by that passion and his extensive marine expertise. Jim was a strong man who valued genuine people, great food (that meant Peggy's cooking), and a good joke. He greatly loved the large family that he and beautiful Peggy created together, and felt tremendous pride in his Country and those who serve it.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Peggy, his daughter, Maureen T. Murphy, and his siblings, Daniel Barr, Ann Marie Reude (William), Margaret Barr, and Helen Balogh (Richard).

Jim is survived by seven children, James J. Barr (Frances), Richard T. Barr, John E. Barr (Susan), Maryanne Barr, Dr. Eileen M. Barr-McCarthy (Jerry), Margaret M. Barr, and Joseph F. Barr (Adrienne); his son-in-law, Michael J. Murphy; eleven grandchildren, Katherine C. Murphy, Emily M. Cormack (Adam), Connor P. Barr, Margaret R. Belfi, Michael J. Murphy, Kallelin Burney Minter (Erik), Andrew J. Barr (Tabitha), James P. Barr, Joseph A. Barr, Olivia G.Barr, and Nathaniel J. Barr; five great-grandchildren, Henry, Myla, Wyatt, Oliver, and Faye; and his sister-in-law Janice Barr.

A memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date followed by inurnment at sea.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of James E. Barr may be sent to Long Island Cares, Inc. - The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank, 10 Davids Dr. (Harry Chapin Way), Hauppauge, NY 11788-2039, 631-582-3663, https://www.licares.org