NPCA founder Jim Barbour passes at 81
12.09.2018Jim Barbour, a central figure in the founding of the National Precast Concrete Association more than 50 years ago, passed away Sunday, Sept. 9, in Independence, Mo. Barbour, 81, was the fourth president in NPCA’s history, serving in 1969-70. His peers presented him with the association’s highest honor, the Robert E. Yoakum Award, in 1974.
A charter member of NPCA, he owned Barbour Concrete Co. in Independence, Mo., and worked with a small group of founders to craft the association, carrying on the vision of a trade association that would link precast concrete companies and suppliers in the U.S. and Canada to create a unified voice for the fledgling industry.
A second-generation precaster with a mechanical engineering degree, Barbour led the evolution of the company founded by his father James “Woody” Barbour from a small ornamental precaster to a unit step producer to a regional supplier of a wide range of precast products in the Kansas City region.
Entire family involved
Barbour’s wife, Daneen, was instrumental in establishing the NPCA Educational Foundation and was the second in the family to earn the Yoakum Award. To mark her dedication to education, the family created the Daneen Barbour scholarship in her honor in 2010. Son Dan arbour chaired the NPCA Board of Directors in 2007 and was presented with the Robert E. Yoakum Award in 2010 for his many years of service to the association. He is a current member of the Foundation. Daughter Amy Burnett currently serves on the NPCA Board of Directors and also served many years on the Foundation.
The family will greet friends on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18029 E. 39th St., Independence, Mo., from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A brief memorial service will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the chapel. The family will continue to receive guests after the service.
Memorial donations may be made in Jim Barbour’s name to the Daneen S. Barbour Scholarship Fund at the National Precast Concrete Association, 1320 City Center Dr., Carmel, IN 46032. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com.
CONTACT
National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA)
1320 City Center Drive, Suite 200
Carmel, IN 46032/USA
+1 800 366-7731
