Jeffery C. Barker

Jeffrey Charles Barker, also known as papa to me, is a remarkable man. For many more reasons than one. He was born in Columbus, Ohio. He was never raised in very wealthy areas. Not extreme poverty either, although he was considered by the state as below the poverty line. That didn't stop him from reaching success.

Jeffrey entered the military when he was only 17 years old. He fought on the frontline in the Vietnam War for 3 years but left when he was 20. He was shot 3 different times during his services in the war. Earning himself 3 purple hearts.

In 1972 he became a father to a man by the name of Phillip J. Barker. Also known as my father. They lived in Columbus until my father was in high school. They then moved to Detroit where my father completed high school.

Jeffrey fathered two more children; one boy and one girl within the next 8 years. They all grew into adults. All the while my grandfather worked hard at Xerox.

He eventually kept getting promotions, which continued to move his rank up in the company. He eventually becomes manager, then regional manager, then vice president, then senior vice president of of the midwest region. He was able to retire at age 60. He is now considered in the upper class, but he gives half of his salary to charity. He said he just wants to make a difference in a few peoples lives. which is why he is my hero. He started out below poverty and retired in the upper class. But all he wanted to do was help out other people. And that, is why he is my idol and my hero.