Announced Nov. 21, Jerry and Jane Barr will serve as grand marshals for the 2016 Noblesville Christmas Parade on Nov. 27.
“The Barrs are great examples of Noblesville success stories,” Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear said. “They each were raised here, graduated from Noblesville High School and returned home to distinguish themselves in their professional careers. Having them as the face of this year’s Christmas Parade is perfect because the holiday season is known as the time to give and the Barrs continue to find ways to improve our community year-round through their service.”
Jerry is the former Judge of Hamilton Superior Court No. 2. He was appointed as the first judge of the court by Gov. Otis Bowen in 1979, was elected in 1980, and reelected thereafter in 1986, 1992 and 1998 without opposition. He presided over many of the major criminal and civil trials, including several state court class action cases, occurring in the county during his tenure.
Before assuming the Superior Court Bench, Judge Barr served as attorney for the Towns of Cicero and Atlanta, several Township Trustees, the Hamilton County Park and Recreation Board, and other entities. He also served as Hamilton County Deputy Prosecutor in 1968 and as the Noblesville City Court Judge from 1972 to 1974.
“I believe Noblesville has been a great place to live, work and raise a family,” he said. “Traditions like the Christmas Parade and other events in Noblesville are a part of what makes this community a special place.”
Jane serves on the Noblesville School Board, where she was first elected in May 2008. A retired teacher, she taught for 30 years, including 23 of those in Noblesville at Hazel Dell and Stony Creek elementary schools. She currently supervises student teachers from Butler University.
Jane earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. She was co-chair of the Performance Based Accreditation Committee and then served as co-chair of the North Central Accreditation Committee for Hazel Dell and as a member of the overall committee for Noblesville Schools.
“Jerry and I are honored to be selected as grand marshals,” she said. “We can’t wait for the parade and hope it will be fun for all those participating and attending. It’s a great kickoff to the holiday season.”
The Barrs, who have two adult daughters and three grandchildren, also find time to volunteer in the community. In addition to numerous legal associations, Jerry served on the Hamilton County Parks Board, Noblesville Noon Kiwanis, Noblesville Chamber of Commerce Board, Crossroads of America Council of Boy Scouts of America, and was a founding member of The Cherish Center, 50 Club of Hamilton County and the Noblesville Youth Assistance Program. They are both life members of the NHS Alumni Association and members of First United Methodist Church. Jane belongs to FUMC’s Rebekah Circle, is treasurer of Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter and past president of Tri Kappa. She also is a member of Hamilton County Retired Teachers, Kappa Delta Pi education honorary and the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation.
“It’s important to be involved in your community and involved in things you believe in. Children are our future and we want what’s best for them,” Jane said.
The Christmas parade begins at 2 p.m. Nov. 27. To request a parade entry form, call 317-776-0205, or visit noblesvillemainstreet.org/images/pdf/2016ChristmastParadeEntryForm.pdf.
