L-154’s Barncord clowns for kids

Retiree doubles as “Jimmy Hayseed” to raise money

DURING HIS ACTIVE membership in Local 154 (Pittsburgh), Jim Barncord went by the moniker “Diamond Jim.” As a retiree, the 78-year-old Barncord goes by another name, befitting his role as a clown: “Jimmy Hayseed.” Barncord, a 50-plus-year Boilermaker, adopted the Hayseed personality as part of his role as an ambassador at large for the Scottish Rite Masons in Wauchula, Fla, where he and his wife now reside. The Masons raise money to help children with language and learning disabilities.

“My character allows me to collect donations from businesses and at county fairs and festivals,” says Barncord, who travels with his dog, Blackie. The dog, which knows quite a few tricks, sometimes steals the show, Barncord admits.

One of Barncord’s two sons, Jim Jr., is an active Boilermaker with Local 154.