James Barkow

James L. Barkow June 26, 1945-June 5, 2014 Mr. James L. Barkow, 68, of La Porte, Indiana, died Thursday June 5, 2014 at Indiana University Health La Porte Hospital in La Porte, IN. He was born June 26, 1945 in La Porte, Indiana, the son of Dale A Barkow and Bernice J. (Howell) Barkow. Jim graduated from LaPorte High School and also received his Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. He was a band director in the Round Lake, Illinois, area schools and at VanderCook College of Music. While at VanderCook, he taught woodwinds and was instrumental in developing the jazz program. His professional playing experience included tenor saxophonist with the Stan Kenton Orchestra and The Les Elgart Orchestra. He was principal Bb clarinetist and principal alto saxophonist with the North Shore Concert Band of Wilmette, Illinois, for many years and played with other musical groups in the Chicago area, and has been a guest soloist and clinician with the various schools and community bands. Jim has been a saxophonist with the Tom Milo Big Band for 50 years, performing in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. For many years he has been a private woodwind instructor in Illinois and Indiana area schools and at Valparaiso University, including forming and directing clarinet and saxophone quartets. Jim's Northern Indiana Saxophone Quartet, which he formed over 25 years ago, has been a perennial at LaPorte Fox Park summer concerts, as well as at many other concert venues. He has been a member of the LaPorte and Michigan City Municipal Bands for years. He leaves behind so many wonderful students who brought great joy to him as he saw them progress in their musical endeavors. He was passionate about teaching and loved seeing the students successes. Jim was thankful to God for the gift of music. He was a devoted and loving husband, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. He loved and took in many orphaned animals, especially cats. He will be missed by so many wonderful people who crossed his path. On August 12, 1972, in LaPorte, IN, he married Mary Kay (Gower) Barkow, who survives. He is also survived by his brother, John (Judy) Barkow of Broomfield, CO; sister, Loralyn (George) Hayes of Plant City, FL; several nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN where the family will receive friends Tuesday, June 10, 2014 from 11:00 am, until time of service. A life celebration will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home, Inc., Tuesday June 10, 2014 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Jeff Zigler of the First Church of God whom will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the The Friends of Jim Barkow or Donor's Choice. Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James L. Barkow please visit our Sympathy Store.