James J. Barden III, 53, of Manchester, NH, died Saturday, February 9, 2008 at his home in Manchester following a life long battle with cancer. Mr. Barden was born in Methuen, MA on March 14, 1954, a son of the late James J. Barden, Jr. and Mary L. (DeCunto) Barden. He moved with his family to Derry when he was 10 and has been a resident of NH ever since. As a young adult gifted in sports, he earned the All State (New Hampshire) and was recognized in Who's Who Among American High School Students (1972). He also found time to share his knowledge by coaching baseball, basketball, and football. He was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire at Durham. He served in the Army for over a decade, including the Vietnam Era, serving in such positions as Nuclear Biological Chemical Warfare Training Specialist and President of the Leadership Council (Army Reserves).
Mr. Barden was involved in civic and political activities for over twenty years, working on Electoral Campaigns for Candidates in Gubernatorial, Senate, House of Representatives, and local Alderman races. He was a member of the Jaycees and was focused on youth projects as a member of the Brotherhood of Protective Order of Elks. He recognized the need to provide role models and support for our youth. Mr. Barden was founder, chairman and executive director of CCNHW (Concerned Citizens for New Hampshire Waterways), a group dedicated to waterway clean-up and marine wildlife conservation. He developed several programs to help children learn how to become active in protecting their environment. One of his first projects was working with the Boy and Girl Scouts of America on a CCNHW logo contest. He excelled in his career in professional sales for decades, particularly in insurance, investments, and car salesmanship, earning several prestigious awards, including the Metropolitan Leaders Conference Award, the Ford Masters, and the Toyota Silver Club. He most recently worked in sales at Ira Toyota in Manchester. Mr. Barden also served on the Board of Directors of the Life Underwriters of New Hampshire.
He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Debra (Habib) Barden of Manchester, his mother, Mary L. Barden of Derry, NH, five brothers, William Barden of Manchester, Kevin Barden, Daniel Barden, Joseph T. Barden and Timothy Barden, all of Derry, a sister, Carlene Ferrier of Concord, NH, his nieces and nephews, Kristin and Matthew Barden, Julie Oliver, Jillian, Ryan, Becky, Marissa, Peter, Joseph T., Jr. and Camron Barden, Rowan, Rachel, Allisdair and Amber Ferrier, two great nephews, Samuel Barden and Taylor Oliver and also by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father James J. Barden, Jr. and by an infant nephew, Aaron Ferrier.
Visiting hours will be held 4-8pm Wednesday, February 13, 2008 in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am Thursday, February 14th in Holy Cross Church, 187 Hampstead Rd., E. Derry. The burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Concerned Citizens for NH Waterways, C/O any branch of Bank of America, please reference account #9484998436.