U.S. Merchant Marine Academy alumni
We Remember Our Lost Classmates
He was predeceased by his father, Peter, and his mother, Shirley. James is survived by his cherished daughter, Jill; his beloved grand dog, Saber; his brother, Paul; and his sisters, Margaret “Peggy” and Sarah. His family and friends will forever remember his kindness, generosity, and the warmth he brought into their lives.
Posted by a friend of Jim:
My first memory of Jim was his hilariously sarcastic but good-natured sense of humor, paired with his keen perception of reality. We were in 6th grade, the 1972-73 academic year, at a school known as Peck. At that moment, he was animated, explaining to several of us working together on a group project why he was not going to be able to bring in his part from home, pointing out how difficult it would be to transport a delicate, bulky cardboard poster-like thing on a school bus with rowdy, pushing and shoving juvenile delinquents. This was a real peril, of course, not an excuse. Both of Jim’s parents worked (probably starting in the early morning), so it was difficult for them to drive him to school.
In truth, Jim had an amazing work ethic and sense of responsibility. In the spring of 1979, he would have been one of the top starters on the Barrington High School varsity tennis team. But instead of realizing high school athletic glory, he dropped off the team to work at MacDonald’s and help pay for upcoming college expenses. This sacrifice inevitably helped not only his parents, but also enabled two of his lifelong friends, Bert West and yours truly, to move up the team ladder. If my memory serves me right, Jim’s application for admission to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy included a recommendation from John Chafee, former Rhode Island Senator and Secretary of the Navy. While many in his peer group were struggling in the mid to late 1980s to establish stable careers, Jim was hired upon graduation to an enviable position as an engineer at the Newport News Shipyard. And, as a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy, he retained a commission in the U.S. Navy (Reserve).
Hardworking, responsible, and a solid family man, Jim was equally a lot of fun. I was fortunate to be with him boating on Narragansett Bay, the James River and Chesapeake Bay, skiing at Loon Mountain (NH) and Breckenridge (CO), and for countless games of tennis. I think he won every set we ever played. Jim also loved good food and a good party. One night in the summer of 1983, Jim, Bert and I were at Spats, a bar near Brown University in Providence, when he met Linda. Jim and Linda were married in 1987. I was honored to be a groomsman in their wedding, and many years later, he would return the favor and serve as one in mine.
Jim was the sort of friend that was there for you not just in happy times, but also during life’s hard travails. From at least as far back as 9th grade right up through his last week of life, he was someone with whom you could confide, engaging in lengthy discussion on how to deal with school, peers, and then work, bosses, home maintenance, family matters, care for aging parents, and finally, critical health issues- which he faced with amazing grace.
A tremendous human being, and although ended way too soon, a life well-lived.
— Mike Halliwell
Dougie B. received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at the USMMA. He regaled his daughters with his endeavors at the Academy and as a Merchant Marine, often in the form of bedtime stories. After a decade at sea and achieving the rank of First Engineer with the US Coast Guard, he settled in Seattle, WA and pivoted towards entrepreneurship in the wellness industry. He joined the Northwest Multihull Association, where he served as Commodore for a time, and spent his summers sailing with his family.
Posted by a friend of Doug:
On October 6th, 2023, Dougie Barlow, known to many and loved by all, embarked on his final adventure. Doug passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will forever inspire and captivate our hearts.
Throughout his remarkable life, Dougie was a living testament to the spirit of exploration, daring, and unwavering passion for discovery. His boundless enthusiasm and fearlessness took him from skating around the kitchen in his new roller blades, blazing through the waters of the PNW, to soaring in the sky on his paramoter.
But what truly set Dougie apart was not just his intrepid expeditions but also his selfless contributions to his communities. Beyond his adventures, Dougie was deeply committed to making a difference right here at home. He was a humble leader and organizer in his neighborhood association, quietly maintaining the roads and tending to the needs of his community. His willingness to step in and help in any way needed was a testament to his character.
Beyond his daring exploits, Dougie was a beacon of kindness and humility. He had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, treating everyone he met with genuine warmth and respect. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, and his humility despite his extraordinary accomplishments served as a lesson in how to remain grounded yet live life to the fullest.
One of the many facets of Dougie’s community involvement was his dedicated leadership in Juice Plus+ world, where he worked tirelessly to promote health and well-being. He didn’t seek recognition for his efforts; rather, he carried out his work with the same humility and passion that defined his adventurous spirit.
However, there was one area where Doug would occasionally allow himself to boast, and that was when he talked about his three daughters and his amazing wife. He would light up with pride and affection as he shared stories of their accomplishments, their adventures, and the love and support they provided him throughout his own journeys. To Dougie, his family was not only his anchor but also his greatest adventure and source of joy.
In this time of sorrow, let us celebrate Doug’s incredible life, his unquenchable thirst for adventure, and the profound impact he had on each of us. Let his memory be a source of strength and inspiration, reminding us to live life with the same passion, courage, and boundless curiosity that defined his existence.
Our hearts go out to Mitra, Lily, Leela, and Nira and family as we join together to honor the memory of a true legend. Dougie Barlow, the world’s greatest adventurer, edge of the world gardener, international man of leisure, may you continue your exploration in the great beyond, forever etching your name in the annals of history.
Fair seas and following winds, dear friend. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Posted by Peter Huston, a friend of Doug:
Doug Barlow, very active trimaran racer in the PNW good friend and a neighbor of mine died last week in a paragliding accident. Doug was always very upbeat and he loved sailing and talking about boats. He will be very much missed.
Rest easy Slick, I’m sure you are spreading happiness with your infectious smile as you always did in the great boat in the sky.
Upon graduating from USMMA, Kings Point in 1983, where he earned a BS Degree in Marine Engineering Systems, Jeff followed his heart and began his distinguished career as a Sailor. Jeff was honored to have sailed as Chief Engineer while serving our country as a Merchant Mariner. Years later Jeff had the privilege of continuing his extraordinary career sailing with the Navy. He served his Country during Desert Storm.
He held several US Coast Guard License/Endorsements, sailed as Chief Engineer (Commercial/MSC Charter RO/RO Vessel) with Crowley, APL Maritime Ltd, and American Bureau of Shipping to name a few.
Jeff was a source of wisdom and unconditional kindness to those who had the good fortune to be among his family and friends. Jeff retired May 1, 2021 and realized his dream of owning a home at the beach. Jeff loved to kayak near the Concord Light House in Havre de Grace, MD. He loved his ever-loyal dog, was an avid Baltimore Ravens football fan, his loved his pick-up trucks and finished each evening with a bowl of ice cream!
Jeff will be immeasurably missed by his wife Sandy, children and sisters. His spirit reigns and lives through his beloved family and friends. Rest in Peace, Jeff.
