in memory

James Barta VIEW PROFILE



James Barta, 66, Mankato, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Cottagewood in Mankato.  Private memorial services will be held.

Jim was born November 10, 1952 to Stanley and Angeline (Fasciana) Barta in Columbia Heights, MN. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1970. After high school he joined the United States Marine Corp and served from 1970 to 1973. Following his duty in the service he worked as a postman for the United States Post Office from 1973 to 1980. He was united in marriage to Joan Heikes on December 14, 1974 in Ellsworth, MN. Together they welcomed 4 wonderful children over the next 9 years. While working as a postman he also attended Mankato State University (MSU), graduating in 1980 with his accounting degree and shortly thereafter became a CPA. Jim loved to travel, seemingly never took the same route twice, and often took the scenic route, even if it took a bit longer. When his children were younger, if he saw a turtle or salamander crossing the road he would stop and rescue it, first bringing it home to be a short-term pet before releasing. He knew every backroad in MN from at least annually visiting all of his mutual insurance clients and traveled all over the United States for work. When he wasn’t engulfed with work, he enjoyed spending his free time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed his hunting trips to “the land” in southeast MN, and jumped at every available opportunity to go fishing. If he spotted a claw machine during regular dinners out with his family, he couldn’t help but try to win something for one of his 10 grandkids. Jim never met a stranger and was known to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. With such a great and open personality, he made countless friends and remained in touch, no matter the distance. He will be greatly missed by many!

He is survived by his family; wife, Joan Barta; son, Paul (Jodie) Barta and their children Autumn, Ainsley, and Adyson; daughter, Jennie Cate and her children Ellie, Cale, Toby, and Corbin; daughter, Stephanie (Luke) Tholen and their children Haylie, Dylan, and Devin; daughter, Amanda (Andrew) Fredin; siblings, Stanley (Doreen) Barta Jr., Christine (Gary) Quandt, Dee (Brady) Dreyer, Angie (John) Gappa, Timothy Barta, Joni Barta, and Betsy (Tim) Dalluge, sister-in-law, Brenda Barta; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, John and Leah Barta; brother, Robert Barta; brother-in-law, Guy Carlson; and sister-in-law, Sue Barta.

Jim’s family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers he’s had through his difficult journey with Parkinson’s and dementia. They truly made a difference and we are forever grateful to them.

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