James Robert Barton, also known as Wampum Jim and Hippie Jim, died on Sunday, June 25. He was 60.

Jim was born on Nov. 7, 1956 in Hamilton, Ontario. He was lovingly raised by his parents along with his sister, Mary, in Millgrove, Ontario. When he was in his late teens he began to travel and explore Canada and the United States, ultimately settling on Martha’s Vineyard.

An accomplished self-taught musician, he jammed with some of the Island’s finest musicians. He taught himself to make wampum and sea glass jewelry in the early 1990s and gathered a large following for his unique, detailed creations. He was well known to deer hunters on the Island as he collected deerskins during hunting season for many years. He would cure the hides and have them tanned for his former wife and son’s mother, Marie, to make into beautiful deerskin bags adorned with Jim’s wampum.

He loved the beach and ocean. He was a certified scuba diver and enjoyed spear fishing. He was an extremely well-read man with many interests including science, gemology and history. He was always happy to share his insights with his many friends around the Island. Jim will be missed by many, but especially by his son, Matthew, whom Jim loved dearly.

He is survived by his son, Matthew James Barton of Vineyard Haven, and his sister, Mary Ann Barton of Dundas, Ontario. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert James Barton and Patricia Marie (Needham) Barton.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be planned for later this summer.

Donations in can be made in Jim Barton’s name to Daybreak Clubhouse, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, 111 Edgartown Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.