James Barton

James C. Barton, formerly of Peoria, Illinois, passed away in Noblesville, Indiana on January 14, 2026 at the age of 91.

He was born at home in the North Woods Club in Ishpeming, MI to the late Clifford and Astrid (Wiggen) Barton on March 27, 1934.

Jim dedicated 42 years of service as a mechanical engineer to Caterpillar Tractor Company, retiring in 1997. During his career, he was named on nine patents and traveled the world as a member of the International Organization for Standardization. Jim also provided expert witness testimony in numerous cases on behalf of Caterpillar. He had a passion for engineering and design, often saying that one of life’s greatest joys is loving what you are paid to do.

Jim graduated from Fenger High School in 1951, where he was involved in swimming and was the editor-in-chief of the Fenger News. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Bradley University in 1955 and received his master's degree of mechanical engineering from Bradley in 1957. Jim was a proud member of Bradley's Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and the Interfraternity Council. He enjoyed working on genealogy and assisting others in their ancestry quests. Jim stayed active in the Peoria chapter of Sons of American Revolution along with Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Camp 67.

He is survived by his children, Sherry (Russ) Beale, Lauri Barton, and James (Marilyn) Barton. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Stacy (Jefferson) Johanneman, and great-grandchildren Thomas, Joseph, and Mary-Kate.

Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in Fishers, Indiana. Donations in James's memory can be made to the Mayo Clinic Rochester.

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com