It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rev. James "Barry" Hadley on the night of October 19, 2023. At the age of 73, his work here was finished, and the Lord peacefully took him while at his home in Firestone, Colorado. He was the youngest of three children, born to the late George Arthur Hadley and Edna "Janice" White in Denver, Colorado. This very loving, humble, and selfless man was a devoted husband, father, and spiritual pillar to his family.
Barry was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 38 years, Lois Colleen Hadley, and his great grandchildren, Tristan James Mestas and Maudrielle Amaya Ludtke. He is survived by 5 children and their spouses, Melissa Hadley Caskey and Mike Caskey, Jaime Hadley Britten and Jeff Britten, Richard and Collette Lopez, Christina and Alan Romero, and Lynette and Ryan Schenck. Together Barry and Lois raised two grandchildren, Ashley Mestas Ludtke and Jaden Lopez. In total they had 22 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Barry is also survived by his siblings and their spouses, Karen and Rich Harms, and John and Linda Hadley.
Along with his lighthearted, playful spirit and witty sense of humor, Barry lived in accordance with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Barry was patient. Barry was kind. Barry was not boastful or proud or rude. He did not demand his own way. He was not self-seeking, or easily angered. Barry kept no record of wrongs. He did not delight in injustice but rejoiced in the truth. There was protection and power in his love and prayers. He was always hopeful and always persevered. And above all, Barry was unwavering in his faith and love for the Lord.
Barry left a profoundly impactful legacy through a life of service to God and others. He was a pastor, teacher, counselor, ordained chaplain, lifelong student and lover of books. Barry received a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature and Journalism at the University of Northern Colorado, and a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Arts in Religion at the Iliff School of Theology. Barry was called to be a pastor at age 30 and began his ministry of 43 years. For 25 years he served as an English teacher and counselor at McLain Community High School. He earned the Certificate of Chaplaincy from Denver Seminary and became an ordained Chaplain in 2011. Lastly, Barry spent 15 years as the Spiritual Director at Mountain Vista Senior Living Community. God blessed so many through the life of Barry and these blessings will be passed down for generations to come.
Barry Hadley's Memorial Service will be held at Mountain Vista Senior Living Community at 4800 Tabor St. Wheatridge, CO 80033 on Saturday November 4, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Floral arrangements or donations for the Barry Bench and Garden fund can be sent to Mountain Vista Senior Living Community.