Obituary of James DuFaye Barber

James DuFaye Barber, Jr. died Sunday May 17, 2015 after living a long and joyous life. He was born on June 8, 1928 in Columbia, SC and graduated from Dreher High School. He was enlisted in the US Navy 1945-47 and Navy Reserve through 1961 and graduated from the University of South Carolina. In 1950 he married Mary Frances McGill of Kingstree, SC and began his career working for The Great Southern Insurance Company and CW Haynes Company. He worked for South Carolina National Bank 1958-1987, CW Haynes, and First Citizens Bank 1990-2003. In addition, he worked in support of the banking industry through the Mortgage Bankers Association of the Carolinas (MBAC) serving as Chairman in 1971 and as Chair or Co-Chair of the South Carolina Legislative Committee for more than 25 years. Jim received the President's Award from the MBAC in 1989. Jim was passionate in his advocacy for affordable housing for lower income South Carolinians and served more than two decades on the Columbia Housing Development Corporation Board of Directors. He was a leader in many other initiatives promoting affordable housing including the South Carolina State Housing Corporation, the South Carolina Downtown Development Association, The Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation, and the City of Columbia Housing Authority as Vice Chairman of its Board of Commissioners. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority. For his tireless work for affordable housing Jim received the Key to the City from the CHDC and the City of Columbia Declared April10 as Jim Barber Day in 2001. Jim Barber loved Columbia and all of the people who call Columbia "Home". He was dedicated to the youth of Columbia and volunteered for many years as a Boy Scout Leader and co-leader. He received the Silver Beaver Award for outstanding volunteer. He was also a member of the Downtown Optimist Club for more than three decades. He was an active member of Shandon United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and was a Sunday School teacher. He loved his group of friends called The MFOT Group (Mr. Friendly's on Tuesday) and treasured all of the great fellowship that grew from their corner booth. Jim was predeceased by his sister, Catherine Banks and his son, James DuFaye Barber III. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Frances McGill Barber; his daughter, Alison Barber Mullison (E. Warren) of Vienna, Virginia; grandchildren, James D. Mullison of Philadelphia, PA and Rebecca E. Mullison (Sean Goodrow) of San Antonio, TX; nephews, Phillip Banks, Jay (Kathy) Banks, John (Nancy) Banks, Hal (Mary Lisa) McGill and Billy McGill; nieces, Kate (Jim) Culbreth, Pam McGill and Jan (David) Jordan. Jim and his family are most grateful for the loving care of Tammy Smith during his last years. Visitation will be at Thompsons Funeral Home on Friday May 22 from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held at Shandon United Methodist Church on Devine Street at 3 pm on Saturday May 23. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC or to the charity of one's choice.