John William Barret

March 12, 1938 - August 5, 2024

A man in a suit and tie is sitting in front of a red background.

John William Barret, Jr., 86, beloved son of John William and Helen Marie Barret, died peacefully at home on August 5, 2024 after a long illness with family by his side. John is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Margaret (Bowden) Barret, his son John William Barret, III, his daughter Anne Elizabeth Payne, her two children Foster and Rylan, his son James Walter Barret with his wife Sarah Jane and their five children, Siena, Jude, Jameson, Eve, and Joshua. Born March 12, 1938 in Miami and raised in The Village of El Portal, Florida, John attended St. Mary's and Archbishop Curley. A proud descendant of Colonel William Barret Travis, his lifelong love of history led to his graduating with a BA in History from Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina and with a double MA in History and Education from Barry University in Miami Shores. John loved music, and built a regional following as a radio DJ in college known as “Mrs. Barret’s Little Blue-Eyed Butterball.” John was a teacher, coach, athletic director, and served as a scouting assistant for legendary basketball coach Al McGuire. He coached Immaculate Conception to their first major baseball championship. His Little League and YMCA basketball teams won multiple championships and he was named Broward Christian Coach of the Year. He worked for Sun Life of Canada and Crown Life as an Insurance Agent and Broker for many years winning numerous Agent of the Year honors. This allowed him to travel the world representing the company with his wife Peggy throughout the Caribbean to the Americas to Europe to China and beyond. John resided in Hollywood, Florida and was a parishioner at Nativity Catholic Church for over 50 years. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Davie and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow. He served with the St. Vincent De Paul Society, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and he was a dedicated advocate for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. TN. John's deep knowledge and love of fishing led to his being on a first-name basis with all of the fish from North Ft. Lauderdale to the Lower Keys. His love of life, infectious laugh, and willingness to help others will forever be remembered by all who encountered him. Often traveling for work and for family outings in his cherished Checker cab, he is now well and truly "On the Road Again." Visitation will be Friday, August 16th, 6-9pm with family remarks at 7:30pm all at Landmark Funeral home. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, August 17th, 10am at Nativity Catholic Church, 5220 Johnson St. Hollywood, FL 33021 followed by a friends and family reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital www.StJude.org

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