James “Jimmy” Martinez Barrios (3/31/1950-9/5/2011)

Author: Rhonda Gutierrez
Image: Jimmy Barrios

On September 5, 2011, we lost a legend.  Jimmy Barrios (a.k.a. Mr. Detroit) took his heavenly voice and his contagious smile to the man upstairs.

When I received the call from my mother, I was shocked and all I could think to myself was, “What will we do without him?” While I can list at least three pages full of his endless accomplishments, I would much rather tell you about the man that I had the pleasure of knowing.

Jimmy was a second father to me.  I called him “Papi.”  From the time I was an awkward 7th grader, he made me feel larger than life.  Doubts and fears did not exist in the presence of this great man.  He made everyone feel special, important and loved.  His daughter, Elizabeth, was like a sister to me growing up and her younger sisters, Jenny and Vicky, were just like my own.  Jimmy treated me just like one of his daughters and regarded all of our friends the same.  He made sure we ate and were safe, when we visited his home.

Although my own parents were very strict, I was always allowed to spend time with the Barrios family.  When Jimmy DJ’ed dances and weddings in the area, the girls and I tagged along—dancing, eating and having a great time.  Everyone knew Jimmy and greatly respected him.  He knew how to have a great time and, if you were lucky enough to be in his presence, you knew how to enjoy life.

Jimmy, or Papi as I like to call him, taught me how to dance Salsa, merengue, and cumbias.  He instilled in me the importance of family, charity and culture.  Watching him donate his time to the youth of our city and the people of our Hispanic community weighed greatly on me.  As I became an adult, I knew I wanted to do the same.  Jimmy was a powerful mentor—the type of person every child needs to lead them in the right direction.

Although everyone knew Jimmy, not everyone knew him like I did.  Not everyone saw the sparkle in his eye, when his daughters walked in the room.  Not everyone saw the love that he gave his grandchildren and nieces.  He was a great brother, father, uncle and friend.  He was always there to support me—no matter how busy he was.  The last time I saw Jimmy, he surprised me and showed up at Mi Estilo’s launch party.  I was so happy to see him.  He said with a big smile, “I came to show you my support, Mija!”  And, he did.   It meant a lot to me that I made him proud.  Little did I know, that was the last time I would see my second father.

It’s hard to believe that he’s gone.  He seemed like one of those people that would never die.  He was too strong, vivacious, energetic and happy to leave.  Although my favorite dance partner is no longer here to spin me around the dance floor, I know he is smiling from above.  Jimmy made a difference in this big, crazy world.  He made it a little brighter and happier.  Our angel on Earth accomplished all the things he was sent here to do.  His work is done.  His memory will live with us forever and I feel so blessed to have been a part of his legacy.

If Jimmy were here, he would say in his raspy voice, “Don’t be sad, Mija!  We all gotta go sometime.  It’s part of life.  Enjoy it while you’re here!” And that, he did.

Rest in peace, Mr. Detroit.  The world is a better place because of you.

A memorial service for Jimmy Barrios will take place at St. Anne’s Church in Southwest Detroit on Friday, September 30th at 11AM.  All are welcome to celebrate this great man’s life.