James Russell Barrett
Berlin

James Russell Barrett (Russ), 61, of Berlin, a true life of the party and vibrant spirit, passed away on April 13, 2025.

Russ was known for his contagious laugh, kindness, generosity and unwavering ability to turn any gathering into a celebration.

Russ was born on January 19,1964 to the late James G. Barrett and Nancy (White) Barrett. He grew up on Burley Street living life to the fullest, always seeking adventure and truly never met a stranger.

After attending Dealer Son School in Detroit, Michigan, Russ joined his father and uncle at Barrett Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Jeep. He served as president of the corporation from 2004 until his retirement in 2015.

He loved cooking breakfast for anyone who wanted a delicious scrapple, egg and cheese sandwich. Russ enjoyed fishing, boating, rooting for the Ravens and family time at his mom’s pool on Sundays. He was a true grill master and could have beaten Bobby Flay cooking brisket and smoked tuna dip. And no, sorry, we don’t have the recipes.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Karen (Regiec); daughter, Jamie; and granddaughters, Pearce and Edie. He will be missed immensely by his mother, Nancy; his sister, Ellen Abbott (Riley); brothers John Barrett (Barbie) and Stephen Barrett (Dawn); sister-in-law Julie Bower (Bill); and his beloved nieces and nephews Alex Abbott, Lauren Barrett, Wil Barrett, Taylor Barrett, Kate Abbott, James Barrett, and Zach Bower.

In addition to the many ways Russ gave his time to the community, he was a member and past president of the Berlin Lions Club, a former member of the Board of Directors of Atlantic General Hospital and the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. Russ embraced everyone with love and served as a mentor to countless individuals as a wonderful example of a family man and business leader.

What does heaven look like for Russ? A couple of cold Natural Lights on a calm boat day.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the Ocean City Golf Club from 4-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Russ’s name may be made to Coastal Hospice P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802, and the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore 803 N. Salisbury Blvd. #2100, Salisbury, Md. 21801.