James H. Barker

Nov 23, 1936 -

Mar 21, 2026

James H. Barker was born on Nov. 23, 1936, and lived a rich and productive life. He died peacefully on March 21, 2026. He was 89.

Jim grew up in Pullman, Wash., and spent summers in the Cascades, where he hiked and camped with family. He loved the outdoors, backpacking, boating and snow go-ing. He attended Washington State University, Art Center School of Design and San Francisco State University with a degree in visual anthropology. From the mid-60s Jim worked as a freelance photographer.

He is well-known for his work in Alaska, especially in the Bethel region where he lived 1973-1987. There he met his wife, Robin Bailey Barker, in 1975, and their son, Eric, was born in 1981. The family moved to Fairbanks in 1987, where he lived until his death.

Jim was known for his delightful, sometimes bewildering sense of humor and positive outlook, and was always doing highly amusing things with his family. He and Robin recently celebrated 50 years together. He was a loving father and shared his love of music with his son, always encouraging Eric's talents. Jim listened to NPR unceasingly, with a radio on in every room, or he played contemporary jazz, all at deafening volume.

Over his lifetime he produced four major portfolios. The first documented the historic 1965 Selma March for African American voting rights. He documented a welfare family in Northern California that he lived with for two years. He then photographed the lives of Yupik people in the Bethel region. His last project followed scientists and staff in Antarctica. His photographs were celebrated for their sense of trust, respect and intimacy of the people they document.

Jim was recognized as Distinguished Artist by the Rasmuson Foundation in 2022 and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cama-i Festival in Bethel. His work was exhibited in galleries and major museums around the country. Jim co-authored three books: "Bethel: The First Hundred Years," "Always Getting Ready: Upterrlainarluta" and "Yupiit Yuraryayrait: Yup'ik Ways of Dancing."

Jim is preceded in death by his two brothers, Dick and Tom. He leaves behind his wife, Robin; and son, Eric; as well many loving friends and extended family in the Bailey and Barker clans. He will also be missed by his "chosen family" of 50 years who met in Bethel and raised their children together.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m., on May 10, 2026, at the Mushers Hall in Fairbanks.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to KYUK or KUAC radio.

A full obituary and galleries can be found at JamesBarker-Photography.com.