Beloved front of house worker Jim Barry died August 18, at the age of 69. News of his passing was confirmed by his family.

Born in Brooklyn July 17, 1955, to James and Philomena Barry, Mr. Barry worked in the banking industry for more than 40 years, serving European American Bank prior to its merger with Citi Bank, and then continuing on with Citi. A lifelong theatre fan, he was also a devoted usher at the St. James Theatre, working for the midtown jewel for 23 years.

The founder of "The Stoop on 44th," Mr. Barry was a treasured member of the community, serving as one of the few ever-present fixtures in an industry that is rife with constant change. In total, Mr. Barry worked on 23 shows during his tenure at the St. James, having completed Illinoise's run at the venue prior to Sunset Boulevard's load in.

As tributes have poured in on social media, Mr. Barry's closest friends and colleagues have set up a GoFundMe to help his family shoulder the cost of his sudden loss.

Mr. Barry is survived by his wife, Maryann; sons James John Barry III and Jason Barry; sister Rosemary; three grandchildren Ava, Natalie, and James; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The Barry family will receive friends and community members from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM August 21, at the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc. The receiving address is 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. A funerary mass will also be held August 22 at 11:00 AM at St. Clare's Roman Catholic Church, located at 110 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island., New York. Plans for an additional theatrical memorial will be announced at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating in memory of Mr. Barry to The Actors Center and The Broadway League. He will be deeply missed.