James Mailler Barkelew

James Mailler Barkelew of West Virginia, age 92, died Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Belvidere, NJ. He was born in Roselle, then lived in Monmouth Beach for many years growing up and having a family of his own. He was married to his loving wife Janet Zeim for 67 years and had 4 daughters. Jim honorably served in the Navy from 1951-1955 as an Aviation Mechanic during the Korean War. He then followed his father’s footsteps, working as a Pullman conductor on several lines throughout the country. The majority of his career was at the Elizabethtown Gas Company as an engineer. Jim was also very involved as a member of the Masons in Long Branch, where he organized many roast beef and oyster dinner fundraisers. Jim followed his dream of owning a farm and moved to Frenchtown, NJ, where he retired and raised cattle on 50 acres. At age 70, he moved to West Virginia to continue his love of farming.

He is predeceased by his wife Janet Zeim Barkelew; parents Emma and Reuben Barkelew; daughter Linda Burrough; brother-in-law John Coniff; nephew John (Jack Coniff); and son-in-law Charles W. Walker. He leaves behind daughters Janette Meisner, Judy Walker, and Susan Goeckeler and husband William; as well as grandchildren Andrew Meisner and wife Kristine, Adrienne Meisner, Megan Burrough, Alyssa Geroso and husband Jeff, Christopher Walker, Jarred Goeckeler and his fiancée Madison Moran, and Rowan Goeckeler; great-grandchildren Ryan and Alex Meisner and Lucas and Logan Burrough Coccurello. He also has a sister Elizabeth (Betty) Coniff (101 years old) and niece Belinda Coniff.

A private family memorial will be held at the family farm. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

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