October 25, 1946 - January 28, 2024
Mint Hill, North Carolina - James Joseph "Jim" Means of Mint Hill, N.C., passed away on January 28th, 2024.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Keith L. and Helen M. "Maggie" Means; his sister, Martha Jo Means Fitzgerald; his beloved wife, Linda Thomas Means, and their son, Kirby Paul Barrack.
Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on October 25th, 1946, Jim moved with his family to Florida at the age of 12. Despite being philosophically opposed to war, Jim served as a meteorologist during the Vietnam War. While in the Army he forged deep, lifelong friendships with his buddies Ralph, Scott and Dave.
A life-long learner and road-trip aficionado, Jim loved to explore ideas, thoughts and places. He shared his passion for exploring with his family and with his students at Lincoln Middle School, where he taught Social Studies for 19 years.
Jim was a gentle, quiet man with a dry wit, an abiding love of music (especially Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffett), a passion for words and a deep love of democracy. He was steadfast in supporting his family, in good times and in hard times; and he was exceptional at accepting and appreciating people for exactly who they were.
Jim is survived by his sister, Mary Keith Means; his son, Jason Means, daughter-in-law, Rachel; his daughter, Lisa Yarrow, son-in-law, Pete; his son, Brian Barrack, daughter-in-law, Timea and his beloved grandchildren, Donovan, Skylar, Benjamin, Phoebe, Tristen, Tanner, Brianna and Casey.
A Memorial Service will be planned this summer in Bradenton, FL.
"… Half of the people can be part right all of the time, some of the people can be all right part of the time, but all of the people can't be all right all of the time." Bob Dylan, Talkin' World War III Blues
