James "Jamie" R Barclay

James Robert Barclay, 46, of Macomb, IL, passed away on January 4th, 2022 at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.  
James or otherwise known as Jamie, James Robert, Babe, Dad, SawfAzz, Noogie, Frank, Jim Bob, Jim, Jimbo, Jame, Jimborini, Spyder and Fran was born October 20, 1975, in Macomb, IL to John Barclay and Sue James.  He was a Sergeant with the Illinois Department of Corrections from November 1999 to the present.  
Jamie proudly served his Country in the United States Army National Guard from August 1995 - December 2005 as an Artilleryman.  He was in Bravo Battery 2-123 FA.  During his time with the Guard, Jamie and his unit were deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Jamie and his unit were retrained as Military Police and ran gun trucks which protected convoys.  His letters home would always express how much he missed his Angels, but that his friends made the days a little easier.  These same guys became part of Jamie’s extended family, with three becoming like brothers, Ryan “Cobra” Wilson, Travis “Paco” Burg and Ed “Wolf” Haney. During his military career, he received numerous Army Achievement medals, acquired the rank of Sergeant and enough stories to fill a week’s worth of Joe Rogan podcasts. 
On June 23, 2001 Jamie married his soulmate, Kristen Westfall in Roseville, IL.  It was on this day that two people set out to create a life so full of love, that nothing could separate them.  Not a deployment, not opposite work schedules, not even in death.  Jamie and Kristen have two children, Kylie and Jaxon Barclay.  Jamie was a husband and father first, above all else.  He spent 20 years loving Kristen in a way that taught his children how to love, respect and cherish their partner. Kylie has often said “he was the dad that all the kids wanted, but they were lucky enough to call him theirs.”
Jamie was quick with a smile, full of jokes and always the life of the party.  Jamie was always the first to tell you he loved you and offer a word of encouragement.  He went out of his way to make sure the people around him knew what they meant to him and that he loved them.  His family; immediate, extended and those he brought into his life were everything to him.  
Jamie enjoyed all the manly man hobbies in life.  He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and working on his yard.  Recently, Jamie could be found at WIU football games, in the Visitor’s stands cheering on WIU in his own colorful way.  Jamie was a master of giving nicknames and acquired several of his own.  He could name a song from the first few beats, knew lyrics from the most random songs.  His taste in music was far reaching - “the best, but arguably the worst.”  
Coaching his children was a huge part of his daily life.  He coached Kylie her entire softball career and then, along with Kristen became her biggest fan during high school softball.  Thankfully Kylie is so much like her dad and doesn’t embarrass easily, as Jamie was known to start singing at any given moment during practice or games.  Jamie spent countless hours with Jaxon coaching him in baseball, basketball and football.  He coached many teams to championship wins.  He could be heard yelling “Let’s Go Wuk” in his booming voice.  Jamie touched the lives of all those he coached.  He would often be the first to offer an encouraging word, a ‘good job’ or one of his infamous pep talks. 
He was one of the good ones. Loved deeply and respected by many.
Jamie was preceded in death by his grandparents, Vernon and Donna James, Glenn and Eleanor Barclay, Mother-In-Law; Ellen Westfall, Brother-in-Law; Justin Lockett.  He is survived by his soulmate and wife; Kristen “Fran” Barclay, Daughter; Kylie “GG”, Son; Jaxon “TukWuk”, Father; John (Carol) Barclay, Mother; Sue “Punny” James, Sister; Stephanie “Noogie” (Doug “Dougger”) Reed, Bonus Sister; Katina “Kitty” (Noah) Livermore, Brother; Jeremy (Barbara) Barclay, Brother-In-Law; Kemper (Wendi) Westfall, Sister-In-Laws; Kate (Aaron) Howard and Khloe (Anthony) Beaird, Nieces and Nephews; Bryce, Brennon, Addison, Colin “Toot”, Evan “TFunder”, Ellie, Blakely, Maizey, Bonus Nephews – Cody and Paxton, Father-In-Law; Kent Westfall, Aunts; Ann (Robert) Rodeffer and Kay (Steve) Hilligoss, Cousins; Emily "Emi" (Travis) (their children, Hudson, Hannah and Hayes) Hohenbery and Sarah Hilligoss.
Kristen and the family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the outpouring of support, love and prayers.  They would like to thank Missouri Baptist Medical Center staff for their love and care.  We are so grateful for the extra love and compassion shown by Jeff, Shirlene, Leigh, Robin, Brad, Katie, Krestina and Dr. Kidd.  
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at The Crossing in Macomb, with Military Honors.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 PM that evening at The Change of Pace in Macomb where friends will have the opportunity to meet with friends. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Barclay Children Education Fund or Venmo @BarclayChildrenEducationFund99.
Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.
You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.

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