John C. Barlow

“We love you as deep as the ocean, as high as the sky, all the way around the world and back again.”

Jonathan “John” Barlow was born on February 8, 1989 in Lowell, Massachusetts and walked into the loving arms of the Lord on March 12, 2015 at the age of 26.

John is survived by his parents, Sherry Barlow of Glen Allen, Virginia, and Gary Finnegan of Mechanicsville, Virginia; sister, Amanda (Barlow) Stewart of Leominster, Massachusetts, twin brother, Joshua Barlow of Fort Hood, Texas, and brother Cory Barlow of Shirley, Massachusetts. He also leaves a maternal grandmother, Betty Wronski of Chesterfield, Virginia; paternal grandmother Joanne Finnegan of Lowell, Massachusetts; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and friends.

John attended Colonial Heights schools and graduated from Colonial Heights High School, where he formed a number of lifelong friendships and was a member of the wrestling, baseball and football teams.

After graduating high school, John and his twin brother, Joshua enlisted in the United States Army together. The twins completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. John’s first assignment was at Fort Drum, New York with 10th Mountain, 3rd Bridage, 1st Infantry Battalion, Delta Company. From there, he deployed to Afghanistan for 11 months where he showed exemplary skills as a M240B Gunner and an abundance of loyalty and self-less service to his platoon and his country which was recognized by various awards, medals and ribbons including: Army Commendation Medal; the Army Good Conduct Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

A fervent guardian of his entire family, John was truly a Momma’s Boy and a damn good brother. He expressed himself through tattoos and he enjoyed adding to his collection. Those who knew him will never forget his sweet, caring demeanor, incredible smile, and uplifting sense of humor. John loved to have a good time and the company of pretty women.

John will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. He was the kind of young man that anyone would be proud to call son, grandson, brother, nephew and friend. Funeral arrangements are being handled by J.T. Morris & Sons in Petersburg, Virginia. The family will receive visitors on Friday, March 20th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21st at 11am followed by a celebration of John’s life at White Bank Park in Colonial Heights, Virginia.