There’s much to say about the heavily decorated rower, sculler and beloved coach James Joseph Barker Jr. who passed away at age 92 in August. The Philadelphia-born champion graced three Halls of Fame, won 24 national championships, mentored at the Undine Barge and dedicated 50 years to the Haverford School writes Gary Miles for the Philadelphia Inquirer.  

Brewerytown-born Barker was a quarterback for the Muriel Dobbins High School football team when he found his life-long passion. As a junior he was looking to “bulk up” for the upcoming football season, so his friend recommended the rowing team, writes Miles. He hit the Schuylkill and never looked back. 

Barker was highly admired by his mentees, and for good reason. A legend to many, he provided his expertise to the students who he steered to success, helping generations of young pupils win hundreds of local and national championships.  

“He’s basically a second father to me,” top-notch sculler and 1984 Haverford School graduate Rudy Lewis, told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 1989. “You look up to him like he’s God.” 

Haverford School is not shy of its admiration to the cherished coach. The school’s boat house in the Conshohocken is named after him as the “James J. Barker Sculling Center.”  

A paragon of the community, Barker also was a staunch supporter of diversity in the aquatic sport. He helped women, people of color, various creeds and the youth earn their place in the boat.  

His success saw no borders as he even won an event at the national championships of Japan when he served in the US Army in the 50s.  

In addition to his impressive athleticism and dedicated mentorship Barker was a family man through and through. He met his wife of 70 years Joan Taylor at Dobins High, and they remained inseparable. He is survived by his wife, children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  

Read more about this sculling legend on the Philadelphia Inquirer.