James Norman Barke`

Dr. James Norman Barké           “beloved by all”

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa.----Born on July 8, 1943 in Woburn, MA, Dr. James Norman Barké, 76, of  Shinglehouse, known to family and friends as “Sandy” and to many as “Doc,” passed from this life on Sunday, August 18, 2019 in Erie, PA, surrounded by loving family members.  Sandy, the first son of Dr. Harvey E. and Virginia P. Barké, spent his school years in Farmingdale, NY, and most summers in South Carver, MA. While a member of the US Air Force from 1966-1970, he moved from the northeast and came to know and love people and places in Texas, Arizona, and Louisiana. An intellectually curious and gifted man, he studied nuclear engineering at Arizona State University, earned a degree in Biology from Northeastern University, and a degree in Nursing from Northwestern State University. He worked as a nurse in Shreveport, LA. Before entering medical school and receiving his M.D. in 1986 from Ross University, completing an internship and his family practice residency in Reading, PA in 1989.

Dr. Barké fulfilled a dream by opening his family medical practice in Shinglehouse, PA where for over 20 years he helped hundreds of patients to heal, brought many babies (and then some of their babies) into the world, eased the suffering of those nearing their own passing, and comforted their loved ones. Sandy cared deeply for his patients, taking time to hear about their lives, not just their ailments.  He was a compassionate man and doctor.

In the countryside of Shinglehouse, he created his small farm where he raised animals, grew his own food, made beautiful cabinetry, and most of all cared for and enjoyed his family and friends in his “big house with room for all”. He was preceded in death and is now with his parents; brother Richard; beloved son, Dylan Harvey; grandson, Sebastian; and sister-in-law, Pam. Sandy proudly loved without condition all of his children, grandchildren, and family. Surviving are daughter, Rachael Mueller, her daughters, Kayla Mueller and Maddie McDermott; daughter, Allison Dickson West, husband Jordan, and children, Sylvia and Abraham; daughter, Brittney Barké and Brad Williams, and daughter, Quinn; and his twins, Gavin and his fiancée, Haley Morgan, their daughters, Brinley and Bristol; and Gillian Brubaker and husband Kyle, and their daughter, Rylynn; son, Jeremiah Mehl and wife Mary and children Kyle, Kala, Cheyenne, and Jocelyn; son, Benjamin Mehl and wife Ali, and daughter, Josey; son, Josh Mehl and wife Kendra, and children Angela, James, and Shiloh; son, Steven Mehl and wife Charlene, and daughter, Faith; son, Jason Mehl and Brianna Broscious, and daughter, Kira; daughter, Jessie Perry and husband Shane; and son, Daniel Mehl and Katie Guyach. He is also survived by three brothers, Robert and wife, Nancy; Charles and wife, Rosemary; and Harvey, and many beloved and loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He is also survived by the beloved mothers of his children Chris Barké, Joni Scott Dickson, Jan Barké (husband Tim Painter), and Carrie Lewis.

Sandy “Doc” Barké will be missed intensely.  Wherever he was throughout his life, his charm, his love and laughter, his devotion, his warmth and generosity touched those around him, and these gifts are a legacy that will be remembered and cherished.

A celebration of life to honor and remember Dr. Barké will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Sunday, August 25, 2019, at the Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, Puritan Street, Shinglehouse.  All are invited! Please bring a favorite memory to share. Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors at 5 pm at the fire hall.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to donate do so to make memorials in Doc’s name to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Dr. Barké’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or our Facebook page, Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home.