It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dear father and grandfather James 'Jim' E. Barnett, Sr., 85, of Niagara Falls, NY. on September 17, 2021 in Buffalo General Hospital.

Born in Chesapeake, but his heart was in Oak Hill, West Virginia, Jim cherished his southern roots. Son of the late Marvin and Verla (Rowh) Barnette, Jim came to the Niagara Falls area at the age of 15 with his family, where his neighborhood friends called him "Jaime the Duke." As Jim continued to live up north, his southern accent softened - but with any trip down south that southern drawl quickly returned.

Jim met his wife Virginia "Ginny" (Holt) Barnett, while serving in the military. He later hitchhiked from North Carolina to Niagara Falls to be with her. On August 25, 1956, Jim married Ginny, the woman he loved and would spend his life with. Just last month, Ginny and Jim celebrated 65 years of marriage, at which point their kids declared that Jim had reached "Sainthood".

Employed for 29 years as a Chemical Operator at Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Niagara Falls, NY, where they called him "Chopper" for reasons still up for debate, Jim was known for his humility, kindness, gentle spirit, and his way of making others always feel welcome around him. Jim had a deep faith in God and his word and served Jehovah God faithfully for 59 years. He was appointed as a ministerial servant in the Congregation and cared diligently for his duties while taking great pride in his assignments.

Jim was meticulous, had a way with numbers, and was a master of maps. An expert navigator, Jim would pull out a road map or atlas and be able to plot out a perfect route to and from Mississippi, where the Barnetts would often travel to visit family.

His hobby was trying to learn new things: beer making, photography, camping, pilots lessons & a correspondence accounting course to name a few.

Also sometimes known as "Tex" among friends, Jim was a southern gentleman with a deep appreciation for country & bluegrass music, cowboy hats, old western movies, and his wife's cooking. George Jones was his favorite, and Jim was often told he resembled him - unfortunately he couldn't sing like him.

Jim was deeply loved by his family, and he loved them right back. Jim also loved all the family pets; and had a special place in his heart for Pearly Whirl the Beagle. Dad yodeled, played the banjo, made homemade beer and allowed the kids to be the unofficial taste-testers. An avid card and board game player, Dad taught all his kids healthy competition by never allowing them to beat him. There was always an element of surprise when Dad would get to talking about anything that excited him - the family would laugh along fondly, and the entire audience would light up. Affectionately called "Papa" by his grandchildren and "Papa eyebrows" by his great-grandchildren. Papa is remembered by his grandchildren for how much he loved them, how great it felt to make him laugh, and how he always greeted them with a hug, kiss, and said "I love you, be good".

In addition to his loving wife, Virginia, Jim is survived by their four children Arlene (Dave)Eisenman, Lou Ann (Anthony) Zoda, James Jr. (Joanne) Barnett, and Carrie Lynn Barnett; their eight grandchildren, Amanda (Dan) West, Sara (Randy) Greene, Scott (Jete) Marrero, Stephanie (Shawn) Hess, Michael Eisenman, Caroline (Gary Favero) Eisenman, and James Barnett III; their six great-grandchildren, Charlie, Rachel, Julianna, Landon West, Colin Hess, and Oren Greene. Jim is also survived by his sisters Frances (Al) Harvey and Janice (Smokey) Stover and was predeceased by his brother Dennis "Seeb" Barnette and grandson Philip Eisenman. Jim also had many beloved Nieces, Nephews, and many friends he loved dearly that made a significant impact on his life.

During the last week of his life, Jim's children and grandchildren gathered at his side devoted to his care, even staying overnight in the hospice room with him so that he was never alone. Jim was a good man who will be dearly missed.

A virtual memorial service will be held on Sunday September 26, 2021 @ 2:00PM. Access via Zoom: Meeting ID 817 3724 8326 Passcode 2013

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.