Plymouth – James Miles Barkdull, affectionately nicknamed ”Bood” by his father, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Autumn Trace Senior Living Community in Plymouth at the age of 86. Jim was born to Paul and Avis (Albertson) Barkdull on September 2, 1939 in Mishawaka.
He married Roberta S. Spence in Ft. Wayne on November 2, 1957. Jim was a family man at heart, holding a dedicated career to provide for his family. He and Roberta had a love that spanned more than 68 years. While he had a reserved personality, Jim loved to talk about the things he was most passionate about.
Jim worked in the Auto Parts Industry for companies including Borg Warner and United Auto until his retirement in 1995. He then worked in the role as a property superintendent with Chase Properties for 10 years into his retirement to have something to keep him busy.
In the early years, Jim served as the Chief of the Fairmount Volunteer Fire Department. He was also very active with the Jaycee’s, serving as the President of the club and later in a district role. Jim and Roberta owned a cleaning service that serviced commercial properties and he also did some work with AMWAY.
Jim was raised a Master Mason on March 12, 1981 in Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge #149. He served as Worshipful Master in 1985 and later as Treasurer and Trustee. He is a proud member of Bartimaeus Lodge UD. He is also honored by all of the Honorary Memberships that he has received from the many Lodges throughout the State of Indiana.
Jim is a member of the South Bend Valley Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He served the Valley as Thrice Potent Master of the Lidge of Perfection in 1996-97. His activities included: director of the 8th degree, Prologuist and Orator of the 14th degree and parts of the 31st and 32nd degrees. He has served as District Membership Chairman, President, and Secretary of the Marshall County Scottish Rite Club. On September 28, 1999 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Jim was crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33rd degree at the Supreme Council, NMJ.
He is a member of the York Rite Council and Commandery in South Bend and the Royal Arch Chapter #49 in Plymouth. He served as High Priest of Plymouth Chapter #49 UD. He is a member of the Elkhart Yeoman of York, St. Hilary Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Indiana York Rite College #55, Royal Order of Scotland, and the Goose N Tater #101. He is a member of the Orak Shrine and Royal Order of Jesters Court #43 in Michigan City, a Charter member of Northern Indiana Chapter #544, National Sojourners. Jim is a member of Plymouth Chapter #26, Order of the Eastern Star and has served as worthy Patron several times.
In May of 2001, Most Worshipful Brother Richard W. Wierzba appointed Jim as Junior Deacon in the Grand Lodge Officer line. In September of 2001, the Grand Lodge of Ohio appointed Jim as their Grand Representative in Indiana. He has advanced through the Grand Lodge line and on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 was invested with the purple of the fraternity as the 156th Grand Master of the Grand Lodge F & AM of the State of Indiana.
He is survived by his wife, Roberta; son, Gary (Sue) Barkdull, Lisa (Dan) Bunn, and Cathy (Jerry) Johanan; grandchildren, Shawn, Brittany, Cody, Ian, Danielle, Joanna, and Joe; great-grandchildren, Runey, Rye, Madison, Whitney, Karlee, Reed, Karleigh, and Laila; and great-great grandchild, Braelyn in addition to one on the way. He will also be missed by his dog, Maggie.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Avis and his siblings, Paul R. Barkdull and Shirley Middleton.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 4-6PM at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563. Funeral services will immediately follow at 6PM with Pastor Dennis Wenzel officiating and the Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge #149.
Jim will be laid to rest in a private service at Oakhill Cemetery in Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, 525 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or to the Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge #149, 109 Water Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.johnson-danielson.com
The Barkdull Family would like to extend their appreciation to the Staff at Autumn Trace Senior Living Community and to Beth. Jennifer and Tiffany for the care they provided to their family. They would also like to acknowledge the Plymouth-Kilwinning Lodge #149 and John Kuhn for all of their help over the past year.
