The City of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922, Volume 5

Athlete, Professional Baseball Player and businessman. James Barrett was born in Athol, Massachusetts and was the son of Edward and Ann (Buckley) Barett, who were natives of Ireland and came to America in the early 1870s, first settling in Athol, Massachusetts. His father Edward Barrett was a man of learning, having followed educational work in his native Ireland. In 1879, Edward and his family moved to Brookville, Kansas, where he operated a granary but died there in the same year at the age of 36. His widow returned to Ireland, where she passed away in 1881, her death being hastened by grief over her husband's untimely death. Left an orphan in early boyhood, James E. Barrett began his education in the schools of his native city and afterwards attended the schools of Brattleboro, Vermont, and the high school in Bellow Falls, Vermont. He then entered in the hotel business at Brattleboro and was later connected with hotel interests in Springfield, Massachusetts. Afterwards, he joined the army as a member of Company A, Ninth United States Infantry, taking up this training with the belief that it would assist him in a baseball career. During his time in the army he was made a corporal and upon the expiration of his term of enlistment left the army and joined a baseball club at Oswego, New York, which was a member of the New York State League. His ability was soon recognized by those who were constantly on the alert to secure good players for the big league and he went from the Oswego team to become one of the Red Stockings of Cincinnati in the National League, in 1900, playing outfield. He afterwards entered into a contract to become a member of the Detroit Tigers and wore a uniform of the baseball club of Detroit from 1901 until 1905 inclusive. He returned to the Eastern League and was with the Rochester, New York team in 1906. During the two succeeding seasons, he was connected with the Boston Red Sox and afterwards returned o the minor league, being connected with the Milwaukee team of the American Association for three years as manager and outfielder. As a ballplayer "Jimmie" Barrett-as he was so well known, ranked in all departments of the game among the truly great outfielders of all time. His quiet demeanor, and at all times gentlemanly conduct, earned for him the respect and esteem of not only his fellow players but patrons of the great national game as well. He gave up baseball entirely in 1911 to enter upon a career and became a sales agent for Scripps marine engines. He invested heavily in Detroit real estate and his judgment in this connection found proof of his success, for his investments made him financially independent. During the period of World War I, he gave his services to the government as the inspector of the Liberty motor and machinery. In addition to his numerous investments and real estate interests, James specialized in the handling of subdivisions and at the time of his death, he was platting the Harper Avenue subdivision in Detroit, containing 230 lots. The tract being supplied with all modern improvements, including sewerage, and curbing for the streets lighting. He was known as a most alert, wide-awake and progressive businessman and made for himself a most creditable position in the real estate circles of Detroit. On January 20th 1904, James was married to Miss Margaret Walsh, a daughter of John Walsh of Detroit. The children of this marriage were Mary; born in 1905; Margaret, born in 1907; and Ann, who was born in 1917 and died in October 1919. All of his children were born in Detroit. Mary and Margaret attended Sacred Heart Academy in Detroit. The Barrett's were Roman Catholic and James was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He was a man of determined purpose who carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook and his progressiveness and adaptability brought to him a most substantial measure of success. James Passed away in Detroit on October 25, 1921, of what was believed to be apoplexy and a host of friends and acquaintances throughout the country mourned his passing. His pallbearers were his former associates on the diamond.

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Detroit. Section: 35, Grave lot: 48

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division