James E. "Jim" Barnhardt

1927 - 2009

James E. Barnhardt, 82, went home to be with the Lord on June 18, 2009, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease.
He was born to Benjamin and Leona Barnhardt in Hilt, CA on January 31, 1927. At age three, after the death of his mother, he moved to Lodi to live with his aunt and uncle, John and Violet Shoup. He attended local schools and graduated from Lodi Union High School in 1945. Jim was an outstanding athlete, excelling in football, boxing and track. He held the Lodi Union High School shot put record until the 1960's.
Barnhardt entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Sill, OK as an aircraft mechanic during WWII. When he returned from military service he married his high school sweetheart, Clara Baker. They shared 62 wonderful years together.
He was an auto body repairman, master machinist, and a member of the Machinist Union for 38 years. Jim worked for Lowen Auto, Hansel & Ortman, and retired after 31 years at Stockton Plating. Jim loved working and kept busy by farming almonds, fixing cars in his shop, and manufacturing Hercules Winches at their Lodi country home. He also enjoyed camping with the family, and traveling the United States with his wife. After his retirement, Jim and Clara enjoyed many trips to Arizona during the winter.
Jim attended Bethel Open Bible Church for 79 years, served on the board for 40 years, taught Sunday School for more than 30 years. He also served on the Bethel Gardens board for many years.
His sisters Marge Fogle, and Nadine Moore; brothers Benjamin Barnhardt, George Mottern, and Tom Mottern preceded him in death.
James is survived by his wife Clara (Baker) Barnhardt; his sister Elinor Sutro of Grass Valley; four children and their spouses, John & Annie Barnhardt of Galt; Cheryl & William McClaine of Lodi; Sandra & George Emde III of Lodi; Jerald & Elizabeth Barnhardt of Morada; 12 grandchildren & 16 great-grandchildren.
Dad taught us much about life through his living, his illness, and in his dying. He was always brave, always strong, always retained his sense of humor. He never complained, never wavered, never lost faith in God.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Jim on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 11:00 am, Bethel Open Bible Church, 760 S. Ham Lane, Lodi, CA.
The family requests memorial donations be made to: Asera Care Hospice, 529 W. March Lane, Stockton, CA 95207 or Parkinson Association, 900 Fulton Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825.