Jim Barry, who for many years was involved in the kiddie ride industry, died suddenly in Pilgrim Hospital Boston, Lincolnshire, on September 11, aged 80.
Jim was sales director of RG Mitchell in Skegness before forming BAFCO Kiddie Rides, based in Alford, Lincolnshire.
Along with his partner Mike Collins, who went on to form AMUTEC, Jim built up a substantial business, and well-known rides like the Breakdown Truck, Lifting Helicopter and Space Rides were common place not only outside just about every seaside arcade in the UK but all over the world.
Indeed, many of his rides are still to be found - and this is a testimony to the quality and longevity of his product.
“I had known Jim, who was a family friend, since I was a boy, and was delighted to have the opportunity to go and work with him at BAFCO in the 1980s prior to his retirement in 1992,” Chris Bell, account executive for RLMS-Sales, told InterGame.
“During that time we travelled the world attending many shows and building a significant export business. A larger than life and well-known character in his specialised sector, and I am very saddened to report his passing.”
