Jonathan Edgar Barker

June 11, 1984 - April 2, 2022
Jonathan Edgar Barker

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John Edgar Barker was born June 11th 1984 to Ed Barker and Anita Ivarson, in Iowa City, Iowa. As a young man John loved the outdoors and grew up in Uddevalla, Sweden.

John served honorably in the United States army as an intelligence specialist and linguist from 2009-2014. He earned the rank of Sargeant and graduated from the rigorous Defense Language Institute with honors. After his time in the Army John pursued his passion for learning and acting and graduated both from Liberty University and the world renowned Stella Adler Academy of acting. John went on to act in off Broadway plays where he earned the New York Times critics pick for his portrayal of Charlie in the September 2018 production of Agnes. After his time on Broadway John pursued a career in translations and had earned an offer to work for the DoD as a contractor in intelligence and linguistics. His passions were film, mastering and enjoying the culinary arts, woodworking, karaoke, the outdoors and his family. John was a true example of a renaissance man excelling in everything he tried. He is survived by his wife Melanie, Sister(Momma) Kristina Barker, Father Dr. Ed Barker, Mother Anita Iverson, Stepmother Dr. Gina Barker, Stepfather Erik Andersen, Brothers Michael Barker and Joshua Freeman and his Brother In Law Joseph D’Amelio, and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Bucktrout Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Burial

Tuesday, April 12, 2022
11:00 AM

Williamsburg Memorial Park - Directions
130 King William Drive
Williamsburg, VA 23188

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  • June 22, 2022
    Danielle Erickson says:
    My heart is broken after learning the news of John’s passing! I was so blessed to know John as a dear friend and I am devastated for his loved ones. Sending my deepest condolences to his family. Heaven most certainly gained an Angel. Go with Jesus, John.

  • April 09, 2022
    Tom Wilton says:
    I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a kind, thoughtful soul, imbued with so much natural ability and talent. My heart goes out to John's friends and loved ones. I know how great he was as a friend and peer, and so I can only imagine how big a space he will leave in all your lives. I knew John from his time in NYC as an actor and was fortunate to direct him in my most recent film, in which he put in an incredible performance - all without ego or swagger. That's just the way John worked, low-key and focused. During that shoot, John told me he wanted to develop his own projects as a writer and director. I loved that in him, and so I gave him a screenplay I'd had for a while and encouraged him to develop it further. I would get occasional emails from him, featuring adjustments to the script and notes on how he saw the film taking shape. Every time, John asked if I was OK with the changes. I always was, because as with John's work as an actor, he always brought something more, adding something special. And even though he kept building on the story, he never once asked to add his name to the screenplay. Of course, I had to tell him to put his name on it - he wouldn't have done it otherwise. And I'm so glad he did. Because I'll always have the joy of knowing I co-wrote something with John Edgar Barker. Our last film together is being completed as I write this. And though we won't be able to celebrate it together, I hope he knows how honored I am to have captured his talent on screen, and more than that, to have known him. You lived a wonderful life, John. I will always remember you.

  • April 09, 2022
    Fred Connor says:
    I am truly sorry to hear the news about John! He was an amazing guy and super talented. It's rare to meet someone so talented and yet humble. He had an innate kindness. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a series I directed. We got along straight away and I was very impressed by his acting talent. We stayed in touch and ended up making a film together with Tom. We couldn't have made it without John and he brought so many of the pieces together. He got along with everyone and was easy to work with. A day on set with John was always fun and I looked forward to it. I remember getting his advice and feedback on another project I was working on. I was blown away by how much support he gave us without any expectations in return. He was very generous that way. I am honored to have met John and be able to call him a friend. We will always remember you fondly, John.

  • April 09, 2022
    Mary Meyer says:
    I am saddened to learn of John’s death and my heart goes out to all of his family and friends. John was skilled in languages and film making and organization and strategy. He was kind and generous and principled. John spoke lovingly of his family and friends. I knew John through his work on film production and acting. During production, not only was he extremely talented but also his generous spirit and even-temper made production sites pleasant and fun places to be. Going forward, I know that John is held in loving memory. My thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and friends at this difficult time.

  • April 10, 2022
    Dino P says:
    So sad, he was a good lad with a big smile. I grow upp in Sweden Uddevalla with Johnathan. We had a lot of memeories togheter from our childhood. Never forgoten! R.I.P BROTHER