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Apr. 13, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Throngs mourn 'Buffalo Jim'

Mystery surrounds mechanic's death

By ADRIENNE PACKER
REVIEW-JOURNAL
View slide show of the memorial service


Mourners pay their respects Saturday at the casket of James "Buffalo Jim" Barrier at the Palm Mortuary in downtown Las Vegas. Barrier was found dead in a Boulder Highway motel room on April 6.
Photo by K.M. Cannon



Elise Barrier, center, cries Saturday during memorial services for her father, James "Buffalo Jim" Barrier. Seated with Elise Barrier were her sisters, Jennifer, Jerica and Jessica, and Nevaeh Reed. At far left is Roxanne Pollack, Buffalo Jim's ex-wife.



Pallbearers carry the casket at Palm Mortuary in downtown Las Vegas on Saturday. •



Jennifer Barrier collapses with grief Saturday as her sister Jessica speaks during a memorial service.

Throngs of mourners from a cross-section of James "Buffalo Jim" Barrier's life paid respect to the colorful, bushy-bearded auto mechanic Saturday, sharing stories and vowing to solve the mystery surrounding his death a week ago.

The 55-year-old Barrier's four daughters and ex-wife sobbed as professional wrestlers, auto mechanics and customers paid tribute to Barrier, who was found dead April 6 at a Motel 6 on Boulder Highway. Even attorneys who represented Barrier spoke. He had a reputation for piling up traffic citations and gained notoriety for his legal battles with Rick Rizzolo, his landlord and the former owner of the Crazy Horse Too Gentlemen's Club.

"His civil disputes were good for my legal business," attorney Robert Lueck joked. "I used to tell him if it wasn't for me we would call him Jailhouse Jim.

"He died suddenly, unexpectedly and under mysterious circumstances. There will be a big hole in my heart for the rest of my life," Lueck said.

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    • Saturday's celebration of Barrier's life was as colorful as the personality who befriended Las Vegas celebrities and professional athletes after he relocated from Cleveland in 1971. He was pictured with the likes of Muhammad Ali during a slide show.

    Many of those who packed the Palm Mortuary chapel believed Barrier was murdered. One woman who looked over photos of Barrier at the chapel entrance barked at her friend, "We are going to find out who did this to him."

    Barrier received death threats and warnings during the weeks leading up to his death. Preliminary reports from the Clark County coroner's office showed that Barrier did not have a heart attack or a brain aneurism. Although Barrier was found with a bottle of prescribed Valium, the drug was not found in his stomach. No marks were seen on his body, which was found on a neatly made bed.

    An independent autopsy was performed Thursday by a private pathologist hired by the family. The results of that examination have yet to be returned.

    The Metropolitan Police Department, which responded to a call from a motel maid on April 6, said Barrier died of natural causes.

    Peter "Chris" Christoff, a community activist who often took on the Las Vegas City Council alongside Barrier, told mourners that no one knows how Barrier died.

    "In time we will," he vowed.

    "We are all in this together," said Steve Miller, a Barrier pal and former Las Vegas councilman.

    Barrier's daughters, who range in age from 16 to 26, collapsed in a heap next to his open casket, screaming, "We love you, Daddy," and "They killed him."

    Jessica Barrier promised to make her son aware that his grandfather was a boisterous personality inside an intimidating frame.

    "My father was my hero," Jessica, 26, said. "All he wanted to do is help people."

    Barrier's youngest daughter, Jerica, who turns 16 today, was known as "Little Buff" and appeared on his local cable wrestling show. "He was my best friend," she said, desperately trying to compose herself. "I miss him so much. I will always be his little buffalo."

    Barrier was described as a gentle giant who was quick to forgive. Rick Dahl, Barrier's auto shop partner 35 years ago, said the two parted ways after Barrier refused to cut his long black hair. They eventually opened up competing auto repair businesses, but reconciled their relationship and spoke weekly.

    Steve Sanson told mourners that he met Buffalo Jim in court in a dispute over money. On the day of the hearing, Barrier approached him and acknowledged he owed him the money. They had been close friends ever since.

    Sanson said he returned from a business trip on Tuesday night and picked up the newspaper. Barrier's photo was on the front page.

    "The first thing that came to my mind was, 'What did Buffalo do now?'" Sanson said. He was stunned to learn of his death.

    "He was a great man; he loved life," said Las Vegas singer James "Jimmy Z" Zito. "This was a total shock."

    Family and friends said Barrier would not have committed suicide. He was in negotiations to star in a reality TV series, his Industrial Road business was thriving and he was purchasing land to get away from his long-standing feud with Crazy Horse Too owners.

    Lueck recited a poem, saying Buffalo Jim is roaming the vast pastures of heaven, ending it with "the Rizzolos, the nasty, nasty Rizzolos are far, far away." Cheers erupted from the guests.

    Barrier assisted the federal government in its investigation into tax evasion at Crazy Horse Too. Rizzolo pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges and spent one year and one day in custody. He was formally released April 4, two days before Barrier was found dead. Rizzolo's attorney, Tony Sgro, did not return several messages left at his office last week.

    Las Vegas police are investigating the case per the family's request. The Barriers said the FBI is also looking closely at Buffalo Jim's death.

    Gus Flangas, another Barrier attorney, said his friend was passionate about his beliefs. He was most bothered by immoral individuals and corruption.

    "He hated corruption and he was passionate about it," Flangas said. "He not only hated corruption, he fought it."

    Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.

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    Carl wrote on April 21, 2008 11:33 PM: Thank you Adrienne Packard for your heart warming professional reporting on a local hero Buffalo Jim Barrier, crime fighter. It is tragic that law enforcement officials want to sweep this all under the rug. On Rizzolos payroll, Mayor Goodman wants to portray Las Vegas with a false image that the city is crime free to not scare anyone away from vacationing here. A man like Jim Barrier had the courage to fight against the corruption near his property just to get little help from those who were suppose to be on the "good" side of the law. He stands for all of us who detest corruption. He will live on in our hearts.


    James J Zito III a.k.a Jimmy Z wrote on April 16, 2008 03:36 AM: God knows Buffalo Jim is a great man and he needed him home in heaven. Jim has left this earth however he will never be forgotten!We all know Jim would never take his own life and anyone who knows him feels the truth in their heart.Buffalo Jim loved life and people,most of all he loved his girls! God welcome you Jim into his loving arms,and God watch over Jims family here on earth until they all meet again.I know Jim as a giver , I want all his girls to know if they need me I am here for them any time of day or night. I know Jim would do the same for my family. Jim was a very honest man, I will miss him and will speak of him often like he has never left.I know the truth will come out!God Bless the Barrier family show them your light!I am easy to find here in Las Vegas, please call me if you need anything at all.I loved working with LIL Buff in the ring. Your friend Jimmy Z


    George A Fresta wrote on April 15, 2008 12:34 PM: I pray for his daughters and all of his family that justice does prevail... albeit in a town where the odds are against it. But, if the truth ever does come out, Buffalo Jim will be vindicated and his legacy will live on and grow to new heights. Anyone that knew Jim even casually knows that he was too full of life to ever take his own. Jim was a true Hero in this sad time in society when all of the "good guys" and true "heroes" are a rapidly dying (murdered in this case) breed. He was a man's man... rough and tough in his outward appearance. But, on the inside, Jim was a caring, giving gentleman that loved his family with all of his enormous heart. I will miss you my friend. George Fresta


    Cameron Baker wrote on April 15, 2008 12:11 AM: To Jim and his family,

    Jim and i met 29 years ago in 1979, and we have been friends every since.
    Even though i don't know you kids, i know your Dad was a good man, a proud father, and a hard worker.

    So Jim, i'm proud to call you my friend! Me and Kim are very bummed you were taken from us too soon, and we will miss you!

    But hey brother, i believe we'll see each other again. So until then, God bless you Jim!

    Cam Baker - Las Vegas, NV
    Kim Place - Wapakoneta, Ohio


    2006lvhsgrad wrote on April 13, 2008 11:39 PM: To the person that wrote on April 13 @ 11:25 a.m., so you were there and know what happened? Don't try and make statements like you know what happened. And do you know his daughters?? I happen to know one of them and she is not nuts. She is a driven, smart, and sweet girl. The little facts that we do know just do not add up. Have some respect, open up your mind, and try to understand what has happened before you come to such an idiotic conclusion.


    Bill wrote on April 13, 2008 11:05 PM: I went to Jim's Funeral it was the most inspirational. Jim would be proud how his daughters were so brave and talked so dearly about their father. I have know Jim for many years through is good and bad but at the end his honesty and drive for life always shown through. JUST A DIFFERENT NOTE FOR THOSE HATERS: REMEMBER CARMA IS A B AND EVERYTHING DOES COME AROUND 10 FOLDS.

    From the Heart Rest in Peace Brother. You are loved and so are your girls.
    BillW


    ROMEO wrote on April 13, 2008 09:50 PM: THIS WAS TO MUCH OF A COINCEDENCE, RIZZO ORDERED THIS HIT NO DOUBT IN MY MIND. HE WAS SCARED OF THE BUFF, KARMA WILL KILL HIM WHEN ITS TIME. HE PISSED OFF A LOT OF PEOPLE IN LAS.VEGAS, IM SUPRISED THE METRO POLICE DOESN T SEE WHAT EVERY ONE ELSE DOES ARE THEY ON CRACK!


    Questioning GODS preference wrote on April 13, 2008 07:39 PM: Buffalo Jim was a wild, wonderful guy who refused to live life by anyones rules, except his own. Let him rest in peace.

    "GOD" is obviously some idiot who has nothing better to do than make disrespectful comments. Crap in Crap out ... you seem to have some emotional constipation ... drink some prune juice. As for you everyone knows punks who hide behind anyonimity and make idiot comments have mental issues (whether your a 10 year old punk or a 75 year old punk). Also its likely your parents didn't pay enough attention to you, and you like to wear diapers, they make you feel sexy. "GOD" do us a favor, get off of that computer at the public library, another homeless guy wants to serf for porn.


    mark wrote on April 13, 2008 03:07 PM: Chris and Chad your writing skills indicate a lack of proficency and unqualified to criticize Angel.


    goldenchelu wrote on April 13, 2008 12:32 PM: Well its somewhat clear and obvious who had this man killed!Its the club owner!He had his thugs do it so his hands would be clean.God rest this man soul and torment an expose those who did this .Godbless and soothes his daughters hearts.how sad!


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