Richard James Barela

Jim Barela, 58, died Monday, September 17, 2018 in Abilene, Texas.

Born in El Paso, Texas on December 19, 1959, Jim was the son of Joe Albert and Ellen Marie (Sisnroy) Barela.  He graduated from high school in Muscatine, Iowa before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in which he served his country for two years.  Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jim moved in 1980 to Abilene where he married the love of his life, Lisa Carol Speight, on October 16, 1981. 

Jim worked for Translution - RL of Brownwood as a truck driver. His special interests and hobbies included motorcycles, his corvette, and a love for classic cars. Jim would ride his motorcycle each year in the annual Toys for Tots Run and the Children’s Miracle Network Run.  He grew up in the Catholic Church.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lisa Speight Barela of Abilene; son, Jacob Barela and wife Kadrian of Houston; daughter, Julia Barela Velasquez and husband Edward of Abilene; and special companion, his dog Rocko.  Survivors also include his parents, Joe Albert and Ellen Marie Barela of Albuquerque, NM; sisters, Tammy Shipp and husband Jim of Wilton, Iowa, and Brenda Barela of Albuquerque; four grandchildren who called him Papaw, Mason Rodriguez, Caleb Velasquez, Dean Barela and Bethany Barela; father-in-law and mother-in-law, W.O. “Will” and Billie Speight of Abilene; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.          

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 20, 2018 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech Street in Abilene, with Rev. Felicia Hopkins officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene.

Memorials may be made to Children’s Miracle Network or the donor’s favorite charity.