The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in
New Orleans, LA
February 27 - 29, 2012
at the Ernest Morial Convention Center

In Memory of Jean Howard Barr, JHB Founder & CEO

Jean Howard Barr, Button Baroness, passed away peacefully in her home May 8, 2009. She will be fondly remembered as Mrs. Barr by her loyal JHB employees. She was the matriarch of the Barr family and will be missed immensely.

Her legacy is her family and JHB. JHB was founded by Mrs. Barr in 1969. This year marks JHB’s 40th anniversary and the company is still owned and operated by the Barr family.

Mrs. Barr was an incredible businesswoman, who had very strict standards and always encouraged her employees to have high expectations. She gave 100% all of the time from the largest project to the littlest of detail she wanted it done to perfection. Her employees were very loyal to her as many of them have worked for JHB for over 20 years. She created an incredible environment for her employees. You don’t find a company like JHB where loyalty matters both from the company to the employee, the employee to the company and always the customer. That is the way Mrs. Barr operated business.

She was a pioneer in the sewing and crafting industry. She was honored to be among other pioneers who helped shape this industry. She has many industry relationships spanning over 35 years. She has cherished those relationships as many were the reason for the success of JHB.

Mrs. Barr had a full life traveling all over the world, enjoying trips with her family and networking with international companies to grow the business. She would search high and low for the perfect button. Once this button was found she would name the button and it was then welcomed into the JHB family of buttons.

She will be fondly remembered as a petite lady with a lot of spirit. She will be missed by everyone and remembered as a remarkable lady who left a lasting impression. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers through this challenging time.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that you make a donation to a charity of your choice in memory of Mrs. Barr. If you would like to send a card please send it to: Jay Barr, c/o JHB, 1955 S. Quince Street, Denver, CO 80231.

Reprinted from SQE Professional, August 2009