Jerome “Jerry” Barkey

Jerome “Jerry” Barkey, who often joked that he could not afford a middle name, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 3, 2026, at Holzer Hospital. He was 73 years old and a longtime resident of Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

Jerry was born on November 6, 1952, in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, to Joseph and Nora (Dee) Barkey. He graduated from Monongahela, now Ringgold High School, in 1970. After high school, he attended broadcasting school and began his radio career at WRON in Lewisburg and Ronceverte, WV.

It was during those early radio days that Jerry met Paula, the mother of his children and his first wife (Yes, he was married three times). Paula thought Jerry sounded cute on the radio and called the station, leading the two to arrange a meeting. Jerry arrived dressed in his finest faux fur vest and drove past a group of girls, only to discover that Paula had hidden from him. That story, like so many others about Jerry, was remembered and retold with laughter and affection.

In 1971, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a staff sergeant until his honorable discharge in 1979. He was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he worked in communications. Although Paula enjoyed telling people that Jerry was a “Russian spy,” Jerry would simply chuckle and explain what he really did. After leaving the Air Force, he moved his family to Point Pleasant, where he would spend his life serving his community and loving his family.

During the 1980s, Jerry was an active member of the local Jaycees, holding several offices, including president. He was willing to take on anything he was asked to do, but the organization’s annual Christmas project held a particularly special place in his heart. Although the Jaycees eventually disbanded in the area, that Christmas project continued through the dedication of its members and ultimately became what is now known as the Mason County Toys for Kids Association.

Jerry was also there near the beginning of Point Pleasant’s soccer explosion. Because the sport was new to both him and the area, he checked books out of the library so he could learn how to coach it properly. He eventually became president of the Point Pleasant Soccer League and helped organize one of the state’s largest soccer tournaments, bringing teams from throughout West Virginia to the Battle Days tournaments.

Sports were a major part of Jerry’s life. He could be found on the softball field in tube socks, coaching shorts, and permed hair, enthusiastically jumping and shouting from third base. He coached and served on the board of the Point Pleasant softball league, and he also coached baseball and basketball. If one of his children was involved, Jerry was involved too. Later, as a grandfather, he continued coaching his grandchildren and attending their games. Even when he was not officially coaching, everyone knew he would be there to cheer them on and would gladly step in to help if needed. To the children he coached and encouraged, he was lovingly known as Pawpaw Jerry.

Jerry played a significant role in keeping community theater alive in Point Pleasant. Over the years, he acted in productions including Ten Little Indians, Oklahoma, Hackberry Cavalier, Gypsy, and many others. As he grew older, he continued to participate, appearing in The Music Man at the Ariel Theatre. His final stage performance came in December 2025, when he appeared in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, a fitting farewell, as It’s a Wonderful Life was his favorite Christmas movie.

Even those who did not know Jerry personally likely knew his voice. For many years, it graced the airwaves on WJEH, WNTO, and Sunny 93, a station especially meaningful to him because he had the opportunity to work alongside his daughter. Until a couple of years ago, listeners could hear him during the drive home on 93.1 The Wolfe. Jerry was dedicated to his work and always strived to do his very best. He also possessed an impressive knowledge of music; no matter the genre or era, he could name the song, artist, and lyrics.

Jerry was a devoted Steelers fan, an avid reader, and a lover of plants. He was also an animal whisperer. Dogs and cats seemed naturally drawn to him, and he treated them as though they were people. Recently, one of his favorite pastimes was sharing videos of golden retrievers on Facebook. He was a go-with-the-flow person and not easily riled unless you brought up politics. Jerry was very passionate about his views.

Those who knew Jerry will remember his kindness, humor, loyalty, helpfulness, and unwavering love. He would give you the shirt off his back and never expect anything in return. His love language was buying small, unexpected gifts for the people he cared about. At family gatherings, he was often the one who quietly slipped away without saying goodbye, leaving everyone to ask, “Where’s Dad?”

More than anything, Jerry adored his grandchildren. He never wanted to cause his children to miss one of the grandchildren’s events on his account. His greatest joy was being present for the people he loved, whether that meant coaching from the sidelines, cheering from the stands, offering encouragement, or simply showing up.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Nora (Dee) Barkey; his former wife, Paula (Monroe Barkey) Simpkins; and his brother, Bill Barkey.

He is survived by his children, Brandy (Brandon) Sweeney of Point Pleasant, Brandon (Kathy Zieske) Barkey of Point Pleasant, and Branson (Heather) Barkey of Point Pleasant; his grandchildren, Braydon, Bryson, and Braylon Sweeney; Brooklyn, Brittyn, and Brystal Barkey; and Braylea and Brilynn Barkey; his brother, “Brother” Paul Barkey; sisters-in-law Kathy Barkey and Roxanne Weaver; and nieces and nephews John Barkey, Scott and Jennifer Barkey, Nina Barkey, Justin (Ciara) Weaver, and Kaylee Weaver.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy of laughter, music, service, friendship, and love. His voice may no longer be heard over the radio, but the stories he created, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely will continue to be heard in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry requested donations be made to Mason County Toys for Kids Association.

Visiting hours are from 5-7 PM, with full military services to follow on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Funeral arrangements are being entrusted to Crow Hussell Funeral Home.