Jeffrey Barton was born in Redondo Beach, California on August 31, 1965, the first of three sons of Larry and Sharon Barton. His parents remember him as a complete joy, with boundless energy, always happy and sometimes stirring up trouble. If you ask Jeff’s younger brothers Brett and Scott, they will tell you that Jeff was the best big brother. In their younger years, that meant providing adequate pain and suffering to show how much he truly loved them. As they grew older, it meant leading by example on the importance of family, work ethic, living the golden rule, and being the first in his family to move away from home and graduate college. Jeff was the person in his family that everyone looked to for guidance, approval and love.
Jeff’s family moved to Fountain Valley, then Mission Viejo, before settling in Tustin, California. Jeff had fond memories of his childhood, surrounded by his family and the best friends anyone could ask for. He had his share of harmless, but mischievous stories that have been told “dozens” of times over.
Jeff was a Reds fan before he could talk or walk. He was born into a baseball family, with grandfather Larry Sr. and father Larry Jr. having minor league and scouting careers. Jeff grew up around the game, so it was no surprise that his career path would lead him in this direction. All of his family and childhood friends will tell you that Jeff always wore a Cincinnati Reds hat, wore their uniform, and even was dubbed with the nickname that stuck, “Big Red.”
Jeff played baseball as a young kid all the way through high school, had the opportunity to play one summer in Alaska, and one year of Junior College before hanging up his cleats. He then pursued the opportunity to study at ASU, and work under Coach Jim Brock as a student coach for the baseball team. Initially, his duties were limited, but Jeff quickly proved his ability and began working with the catchers and eventually coached first base under Coach Brock for his last couple of years at ASU. Jeff met many great friends during his time at ASU and cherished these friendships and experiences. In addition to his time spent with the baseball program, Jeff was part of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He made many great friends and memories with this wonderful group of guys.
While at ASU, Jeff and Karen met in 1988 through mutual friends and began dating. It wasn’t until years later that Karen learned that that initial attraction from Jeff may have actually been to the Camaro she was driving. On Jeff’s Christmas list just a few years earlier, Jeff had asked Santa for a Z28 Camaro.
As fate would continue to lay a path before him, the Reds area scout position in San Diego and Arizona became available as Jeff was just one semester shy of graduating. He took this position, eager to get started. He knew he wanted to either coach or scout, and was grateful for this opportunity. Ultimately, scouting seemed to be the best choice that would allow him to enjoy the game he loved, but also support his goal of having a work and family life balance.
Jeff began working for the Cincinnati Reds, and some of his fondest memories were his early days in the organization when both his father and grandfather also were Reds scouts. He was welcomed into the game with open arms and shown the ropes by the veteran scouts from many organizations. One of his earliest signings was future Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman, who at the time was a collegiate infielder with the best arm Barton had ever seen. Jeff knew that Hoffman’s most likely career path would be as a converted pitcher or catcher.
Jeff returned to ASU in the fall of 1989 to finish his last few classes and earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education.
With Karen attending ASU, and Jeff working in Southern California, the couple became adept at dating and communicating remotely. In the era before cell phones, texting and email, Karen wrote many letters; Jeff wrote very few. J There were many hours spent on the phone, and countless $19 Southwest flights in and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor and the Ontario Airport in Southern Cal. Jeff loved surprising Karen by showing up for no reason at all, just because he missed her.
Jeff introduced Karen to In-n-Out burgers and the Orange County swapmeet, and Karen made Jeff realize that not all Jersey girls had big hair and a thick accent. Within a few years, it was obvious to most that Jeff and Karen’s relationship was something special. Perhaps the only contentious sticking point in their relationship over the years was Jeff’s love for his Reds, and Karen’s love for her Phillies. This provided a lot of friendly sparring over the years between Jeff and Karen’s family.
Jeff and Karen were married on January 2, 1993. They have fond memories of spending New Year’s Eve in NYC surrounded by family and friends. In their first year of marriage, the couple lived in Southern California until Jeff was promoted to the West Coast Cross Checker position. In his 20+ years in this role for the Reds, he had influence in Cincinnati drafting and signing such players as Aaron Boone, Joey Votto, Michael Lorenzen, Robert Stephenson, Jon Moscot, Tony Cingrani, Justin Turner, Mike Leake and Brad Boxberger. The vast majority of his 26-year career was in free agent scouting, although he worked on the professional scouting side for a few years.
Jeff’s promotion in 1994 allowed him and his wife Karen to move back to Arizona and purchase their first home in Gilbert. A few years later in 1997, they were blessed with their first daughter Allison (Allie). The small but growing family moved to their current home in Gilbert in the fall of 1999, and one month later, Makenna was born. To make their family complete, Avery was born in 2007.
Simply stated, Jeff was the best husband and father.
There was nothing Jeff loved more than spending time with his family, no matter what the time was spent doing. From exciting and fun trips, to quiet weekend mornings making waffles, Jeff was happiest when surrounded by his girls. The family loved traveling together – taking cruises, going to Disney, visiting family on the East Coast, or spending time on the California beaches near where he grew up. Rarely did the family take trips just by themselves, always including other family members, friends and neighbors to join in the fun.
As the only male in the house, Jeff was completely outnumbered – and loved every second of it. Jeff happily took Allie & Makenna to the latest Disney Channel pop star concert when they were little, and didn’t complain when Avery styled his hair. The epitome of a proud father, he thrived seeing his daughters participate in their favorite activities and sports and grow into the strong young women they are today.
When home, Jeff could be found doing any of his frequent activities – whipping up a delicious dinner (enchiladas and grilled pizzas were two of his specialties), taking care of his lawn which would rival most area golf course greens, maintaining (and then enjoying) their pool, tinkering on one of his many house or yard projects, or lending a helping hand to one of his many friends within the close-knit neighborhood.
Jeff’s relationship with Karen was inspirational to those around them, and a true partnership. Considering that Jeff treated total strangers with incredible kindness, imagine how he must have treated those most precious to him. He treasured Karen, and never took for granted that their love was a true gift.
In the final months of Jeff’s life, when facing his own mortality, Jeff’s generous and gentle spirit amplified. There was never once a complaint, or a “why me” moment. He faced his journey with such determination, grace and courage, and taught and inspired everyone whose life he blessed with knowing him. He did not fear death and stood firmly in his faith, knowing that through Christ’s sacrifice, his future had been secured.
Jeff blessed all who knew him in so many ways. He lived and loved perfectly – completely selfless in every word, action and deed. Jeff is so loved and will be remembered always.
Funeral arrangements for Jeff Barton were as follows:
Thursday, November 19th
11:00am Funeral Mass at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 2654 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, AZ 85295
2:00pm – 4:30pm Memorial Gathering/Luncheon at Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, AZ 85338 (Cincinnati Reds Spring Training Facility, http://www.goodyearbp.com/visitors/directions )
There will be a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jeff Barton Memorial Fund which will assist Jeff’s family with current and future financial needs. Information can be found here: www.youcaring.com/jeffbarton
Jeff, my ASU teammate of 1987. I will miss you. You were a “stand-up” guy. My prayers RIP.
Tony Mattia