Obituary Record

World-renowned sculptor, artist and Bay St. Louis native Dr. Richmond "Jimmy" Barthe died Monday, March 6, 1989, in Pasadena, California where he had been a resident for several years. He was 88.

Dr. Barthe, born in Bay St. Louis in 1901, gained world acclaim for his sculptures, many of them depiction's of actors and actresses as famous theatrical characters, and religious figures.

One critic is quoted as saying Bathe was capable of capturing human spirit in his work.

His works are on display in museums and libraries around the country and the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum in New York.

Works by Barthe also are included in numerous private collections. One of his pieces, a bust of Mrs. Thelma Heller, the daughter of a former Bay St. Louis librarian, is on display at the Hancock County Library. Two pieces are in the University of Southern Mississippi Museum's collection in Hattiesburg.

Barthe, who was taken out of school in the seventh grade at St. Rose Parochial School to help support his family, received an honorary doctorate degree from St. Francis College in 1947.

He also was the recipient of two prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships, two Julius Rosewald Fellowships and had been honored by the American and National academies of Arts and Letters.

In 1964 he was presented a key to the City of Bay St. Louis.

Dr. Barthe is survived by a brother, Louis Franklin of St. Albans, New York; three sisters, Mrs. Edna Wright of Houston, Mrs. Rita Wiggins of Oakland, California; and Mrs. Louise Williams, widow of late Bay St. Louis Police Chief Douglas Williams.

A memorial service is planned in Bay St. Louis at a later date.

Source: unknown newspaper