Jim Barringer

Champion for Children

Picture: Rachel Galanter (Executive Director), Jim Barringer (Board member, Foundation settlor, and one of EFC's founders), Jerry Dodd (Board member, Foundation settlor, and Golf Committee Chair), and Ken Gregory (Foundation settlor) enjoy each other's company prior to tee off.

A LETTER FROM EFC’S CEO

Jim joined the Exchange Club of Durham in 1986.  Exchange Clubs throughout the United States inspire communities to become better places to live through community service, with a national focus on the prevention of child abuse. During Jim’s tenure as the President of the Exchange Club of Durham (1992-1993) he worked with other Exchange Clubs to found the agency where I now work, the Exchange Clubs’ Child Abuse Prevention Center in Durham Inc (doing business as Exchange Family Center--EFC).  In addition to his service as an Exchange Club member, he served on EFC’s board for over 25 years, from EFC’s founding until 2018.  Jim’s service over these decades strengthened the Exchange Club and the Exchange Family Center. 

Jim never stopped helping.  In addition to his work with the Exchange Club and the Exchange Family Center, Jim served on the board and committees of the Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department; as a Trustee, Deacon, and Sunday School Teacher and Director for the Berea Baptist Church, as a member and president of the Triangle Chapter of the Civitan Club; and on committees of the Yates Baptist Association.  Even in his final moments battling cancer, his work ethic led him to call people to remind them of how they could help support causes dear to his heart including EFC’s 50th Anniversary Golf Tournament. 

Jim had many admirable traits—he was persistent, honest, and responsible.  Growing up with his sister who had polio helped shape Jim’s character; he looked out for those who needed extra care and support.  And at his very core —- Jim was fundamentally focused on serving others.

Jim not only contributed to the wellbeing of others through his own efforts, but his leadership was also a beacon that called others to serve.  His leadership at the Civitan Club, the Exchange Club of Durham, the Exchange Family Center Board, Berea Baptist Church, and Yates Baptist Association helped other members to step up in their service.  Jim ensured the sustainability of many of the things he helped create by engaging others and bring them along on his journey of service to and for others.

Without Jim, EFC would not be making hundreds of children’s lives better every year with proven counseling, coaching, and training.  He turned an idea into reality, making sure caring adults have the support they need to create safe space and responsive environments where children can thrive now and as they grow. 

Thank you, Jim, for all the many ways you have supported the Exchange Family Center and for your altruism towards children and the caring adults in their lives who needed just a little extra care making it through life’s difficult moments.

Rachel Galanter, Executive Director

This year’s 51st Anniversary (Hybrid) Golf Tournament is being held in honor of Jim Barringer. We hope Jim’s commitment to serving others and ensuring the wellbeing of children in Durham County is an inspiration to you! Simply by playing a round of golf, you can help Durham build a strong foundation for children who may be at risk of neglect, abuse, or maltreatment and provide proven strategies to help parents, teachers and other caring adults be the best versions of themselves for the children that rely on them.