In his last assignment, 1st Lt Barker, USAF, flew reconnaissance F-100s out of  Misawa, Japan.  He was launched as a single aircraft on 2 Oct 59 to perform reconnaissance in the area of a Soviet military exercise then occurring about 120nm east of Misawa.  The last communication from Lt Barker was an "emergency squawk" on his IFF.  He was presumed, unofficially, to have been shot down by a Soviet aircraft.  At the time of his death, his wife, Mimi was expecting their third child.  Three weeks later, in New York, Theresa (Terry) was presented to the world, joining Paul and Meg.

Mimi married Jim Flanigan in Aug 61 and resides in Villanova, PA.   They now have 7 children between them - 6 daughters and 1 son.  Mimi restarted her modeling career with Powers in New York and became a supporter of benefits for "Cold War Widows," working with Sen. Keating, et al.  Parts of the above saga became a feature article in the 1 August 1960 issue of Life Magazine.

Jim came to the Academy from Gonzaga U. in Spokane, WA.  An all-around athlete, his prime athletic talents went on display as an end on the football team coached by Eddie Erdelatz which went on to win the 1955 Sugar Bowl.  Beyond his athleticism, Jim was an all-around class act - easy to be with, always upbeat, and one who had gracious acceptance of everything that came his way.