James Michael (Jim) Barry of Framingham, died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 20, with his family at his side. He was 71.

He was born on August 19, 1946, in Hackensack, N.J, the son of Milton B. and Beatrice (Haskins) Barry. He was raised in Ridgefield Park, N.J., and graduated from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vt. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971. He visited the Vineyard for a summer job after college and when he left the Army. In his heart, he never left, as this is where he met Kate, his future wife. They eventually built a home on East Chop in Oak Bluffs. His porch and his rocker were his respite, his joy and his peace. He was able to spend the entire summer of 2017 watching the flag wave from this porch, and walk the Chop with Kate and their dog Spot. He was famous for taking the long way home from anywhere around the Chop.

Life and career led him to Boston in 1977. Jim had a long career in journalism including holding positions as editor of Dealerscope Magazine and editor of Video Magazine where he covered many of the Consumer Electronics industry’s most important product introductions including the VCR, DVD and Digital TV. He also started the Contract Publishing Division of Crosby Vandenburg Group in Boston, creating and producing custom magazines for ESPN, WGBH, Massachusetts Hospital Association and others. 

He went on to work for the Consumer Technology Association in Arlington, Va., for more than 22 years. He served as CTA’s Digital Answer Man for the past 22 years, showcasing and explaining technology products to consumers via television and radio appearances along with newspaper interviews across the country. 

“Jim was a remarkable person who was dedicated to and passionate about our industry. As a tireless media spokesperson, he helped introduce millions of consumers to the latest tech innovations,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA.  “Jim was respected by everyone he worked with including manufacturers, retailers and the media and made many friends along the way. Jim also was a respected journalist who covered our industry in a thoughtful and insightful style. Along the way, he helped mentor many of our staff, educating them and igniting their passion for our industry. The entire CTA family will miss him dearly.”

He served as a judge for the Consumer Technology Hall of Fame since the inception of the program in 2000. A strong industry advocate and historian, he contributed his industry expertise as well as his personal relationships to the judging process. He also served as an Innovation Entrepreneur Awards judge each year since the program began in 2012 and was a frequent contributor to CTA’s publications including i3 and Digital America.

Jim continued to do radio interviews and maintained his passion for technology, his sense of humor and boundless kindness throughout his illness. Many people across the country had the opportunity to interact with Jim and will remember him as an incredibly kind and generous person who was dedicated to the industry and CTA.

In his hometown of Framingham, he was instrumental in preserving the Athenaeum Hall in the village of Saxonville, as a nine-year founding president of The Friends of Saxonville. His leadership led to the continued success of five signature initiatives, in addition to Athenaeum Hall. The Danforth Bridge Street restoration, the Carol Getchell Nature Trail, the Historic Walk of Saxonville, and the Cochituate Rail Trail project all benefited from his caring stewardship. Closer to his heart also was the Reardon Park restoration in his neighborhood of The Oaks. The ancient metal structures are now a kid-friendly playground, and a valued neighborhood meeting place.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Kathleen (McCaffrey) (Kate) Barry; his cherished children, Moira Rose Barry of Cambridge, Fiona M. Barry and her fiancé Chad Bechard of Concord and loving sister, Maryanne Wiggers of Ames, Iowa. He was predeceased by his brother, John B. Barry. He is also leaves many sisters in law, cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court Street, Boston MA 02108, or the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, attn.: Katie Fuller PO Box 1310, Edgartown MA 02539 or to a charity of one’s choice.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, Oct. 27, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the MetroWest Funeral Service of Wadsworth-Chiappini, 318 Union Avenue, Framingham. Military honors will conclude the gathering.

For additional information, tributes and guestbook, please visit Wadsworth-Chiappini.com.