James L. "Jay" Barber III was born July 6, 2001 in Greenville, Mississippi to Martha and the late James Barber.  He departed this earthly journey on June 10, 2025.

At the age of eleven, he confessed Christ as his savior and told Pastor Roosevelt Smith that he was ready to be baptized. Pastor Smith accepted Jay's confession and baptized him at the Old Kindling Altar Baptist Church.  Jay remained a member of Old Kindling Altar until he moved to Jackson, Mississippi.  After moving to Jackson, he joined The Altar pastored by Tommy Bell.

Jay knew at an early age what career path he was going to take, "barbering".  His education matriculation included:  Greenville Christian School where he received many scholastic honors; an honor graduate of Greenville High School class of 2019; Greenville Higher Education Center where he was inducted Phi Theta Kappa; Hinds Community College, Raymond, MS.  He graduated Sum Cum Laude on May 15, 2021.  He received his Associate Degrees in Applied Science in Occupational Education (Barbering/Stylist and Technical Certification in Barbering/Stylist).

Jay was kindhearted, caring and a creative person.  He loved to cook, especially grilling.  His hobbies were going to the gym, walking at the reservoir and playing his favorite sports: basketball, football and electronic games.

He was employed at Hairtrapreneur Luxury Barber Spa, Jackson, MS, Mr. Orenthia Evans, Owner/Co-worker.

He was preceded in death by his father, James L. Barber, Jr.; maternal grandfather, Manciel Jackson; paternal grandmother, Betty Barber-Williamson.

He leaves to cherish his memories:  a caring and devoted mother, Martha Taylor-Barber; maternal grandmother, Georgetta Moody-Taylor; three sisters, Alisha Smith of Memphis, TN, Angela Barnette of Shreveport, LA  and Candice (bestfriend/supporter) Barber of Jackson, MS; two brothers, Demetric Cross, Greenville, MS and Dominique (Shannon) Barber of Azle, TX; God sister, Dominique King of Greenville; two nieces, three nephews and one great niece; special cousins, Marcus Taylor, Anthony Taylor, Jocelynn King, Karrie King and Rachel King; three life-long friends, Marquisse Kirkham, Rashad K. Lewis and Elijah Carter.

Jay loved his family and leaves to complete his fond memories a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends as well as customers.