By John Cofield

Contributor

Most old-school Oxford folks and former Ole Miss students need no caption for this painting.

Mr. James Barr standing on the dock at the Ice House brings back a flood of memories. Painter Randy Thornton’s, “The Iceman,” is a perfect snapshot in time of an old Oxford memory.

From the ice hooks in his hand to the small mouse beside the chair leg. But there is much more history here.

This is the portrait of a great success story for a man who could not read or write well. But his mother had taught him to count money. So upon returning from WWII, James applied for an Ice House job.

Mr. James Barr, son of town legend Molly Barr, manned the dock at the Ice House for decades.

Many have fond memories of fishing trips to Sardis with their dads, turning the handle to make homemade ice cream on the porch, and parties with ice chests full of beer and soft drinks.

It always started with well-remembered trips to see James. A true Oxford icon.