Obituary of James-L. Barden

James L. Barden, age 72, passed away at his home on Bluff Point, Keuka Lake on Sunday, (January 5, 2014). Jim was a loving husband, father, brother, "pop-pop," and friend. He is predeceased by his parents, Llewellyn and Emily. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Patricia, daughter Charissa Roberts (Paul), sons Paul Barden (Maria), and John Barden (Polly), sister Anne Waasdorp, and six grandchildren. Family always came first, and he took great pride in his role in supporting their success.While he spent much of his last years traveling, he was most comfortable in flannel and jeans and he proudly called Penn Yan his home. His roots here harken back to the early 1800's through the Barden and Garrett families. Many community members will remember Jim as an active member of Jerusalem town board and zoning board of appeals in the early 2000's.Jim was a member of the founding class of 1961 at Harvey Mudd College, California, and a mechanical engineer by training. He enjoyed a 37-year career in engineering and manufacturing at General Electric and Xerox Corporation. Much of his free time was spent woodworking and "tinkering" in the workshop, or attending to maintenance of the family cottage. He was an avid sailor - his feet always seemed steadiest when firmly planted on water.Calling hours are scheduled for 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday, January 10, at the Townsend-Wood Funeral Chapel, 201 E. Elm St., Penn Yan, NY. Jim's funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 11, at First Presbyterian Church, 211 Main Street, Penn Yan. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Garrett Chapel Trust, c/o John Barden, 60 Indian Spring Lane, Rochester, NY 14618. More information and guestbook at www.townsendwood funeralchapel.com.