James G Barnett

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James G. Barnett, 61, passed away on March 12th after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on May 27, 1960 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He joins his father Donald, mother Nancy and brothers Ted and John, nephew Reilly in Heaven. He is survived by his wife Mary Jane, daughters Caroline (Jonathan), Grace (Lucas), and Jamie; brothers Leon and Bill (Jenny), and sisters Ann Marie, Grace (Dan), Donna, and Mary Agnes (Nicholas), his brothers and sisters-in-law Herb, John, Helen (John), Sheila; and his nieces and nephews Megan, Anna, Sophia, Luke, Ellie, Kelly, Molly, Olivia, Louis, Mathis, Michael, Christopher, Stephen, Mark, Colin, Caitlyn, Tracey, and Kelly. Jim attended Jenkintown High School, Bloomsburg University, and Temple University.
Jim married Mary Jane on June 1, 1991, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Jim's love for golf, and the couple's mutual love for the shore, led them to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Soon the family settled down in North Litchfield. As Jim liked to say, the Barnett family lived on vacation. Sunday afternoons from May to August, you could count on finding him at the beach, good book in one hand and cold beer in the other, surrounded by his girls.
Jim was a contractor by trade. He and Mary Jane founded their own business, J. Barnett Services, Inc., and Jim built a reputation as a skilled worker and a good man. He took pride in the work that he did and brought enthusiasm and creativity to his projects. He was trusted, respected, and loved by his clients and all who he had working relationships with. He loved them, too.
When he came home from work, he was a loving husband and incredible dad to Caroline, Grace, and Jamie. He was, and is, everything to his girls. Their hero, best friend, confidante, teacher, shoulder to cry on, and biggest fan. He was there with the biggest smile and loudest cheer at soccer games, chorus concerts, track and cross country meets, school plays, graduations, swearing in and white coat ceremonies. He was equally present for the rejections, losses, and lows. He made them smile every single day.
Jim and Mary Jane celebrated their 30th anniversary last June- fittingly celebrated with a trip to a Philadelphia Eagles game. They were the dream team, as parents, business owners, and a couple. They loved each other so much.
Jim was gentle, kind. He was incredibly funny, known for his one-liners and famously expressive eyebrows. He was a great storyteller. He was strong in every sense. He was a member of the Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church where he served as a lector, usher, sacristan, and member of the Knights of Columbus. He was never an official member of the choir, but was nonetheless often the loudest singer from the pews. He loved golf, warm weather, the Philadelphia Eagles, ice cream, sitting in his spot in the corner of the couch watching tv, shooting basketball hoops, taking the Barnett family dog, Audrey, to the beach.
Jim faced an advanced cancer diagnosis with unflinching bravery and strength. He fought hard until the very end. He spent his final days, hours and moments surrounded by those he loved most. Our hearts are broken, but we will strive to carry on with the strength and joy for life that Jim brought to each day. We will hold him close forever.
Friends and family are welcome to come to a Celebration of Jim's life on March 17, 2022 at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church at 10 AM with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.
An inurnment will be held at the Church Columbarium after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Father Pat's Lunch Kitchen.
Sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com