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Jim Barnett Obituary
Officials with Riverwood Family Funeral Service say Barnett died Friday at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson. Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church of Brookhaven. Burial will be at Riverwood Memorial Park.
A veteran of the Korean War, Barnett practice medicine in Brookhaven for 36 years. He served in the Mississippi House from 1992 to 2008.
In an interview with the Daily Leader in 2012, Barnett said he had always been interested in politics.
"I enjoyed the Legislature, and I did everything I could for Brookhaven," he said.
Barnett worked diligently to bring the Mississippi School of the Arts to Brookhaven and the campus of old Whitworth College.
Bill Jacobs, former Daily Leader publisher, said Barnett was part of the MSA initiative from the beginning.
"He worked so hard on that thi ng," Jacobs said. "He worked so hard to get it where it is. It was his baby."
Barnett, a native of Edinburg, Millsaps College, Tulane University and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He received his Medical Degree from the Southwestern Medical College of the University of Texas in 1949.
A veteran of the Korean War, Barnett practice medicine in Lincoln County for 36 years.
Barnett, a commercial-rated pilot, served 12 years as chairman of Mississippi Aeronautics Commission. He served 13 years on State Board of Mental Health and was chairman twice. The Board of Mental Health honored Barnett by naming a new mental health facility "The Jim C. Barnett, M.D. Homes" in Brookhaven.
Survivors include his wife, Roberta; nine children, 26 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
24 Entries
Tom Bowers
June 6, 2020
DR. Barnett was a fantastic influence in my life. He attended a party at my grandmothers home in 1975. A discussion about my college aims ensued. DR. Jim asked to use a phone in a private setting. In a few moments, he had me talking to the Bursar of Ole Miss! I graduated there, and also pursued an aviation vocation. Years later, fishing at Farewell Harbor in BC Canada, I found his name in the guest registry! Naturally, I called him to report on the fishing, and to thank him for helping me. Never forget. One kind gesture can be life changing! Ive done well for myself, but I always credit Jim Barnett for showing me the way! Roberta, thank you so much. This is Elizabeth Hartmans grandson showing his devotion.
JW
November 7, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
BOBBY THOMAS
September 23, 2013
MY HEART GOES OUT FROM THE YOUNGEST TO THE OLDESTBARNETT, HE WAS A LEGEND IN MY LIFE, DR JIM IS RESPONSIBLE AND GOD ALONG WITH MANY PROMINENT OLE MISS ALUMS AND ONE SPCIAL I BELIEVE BELHAVEN ALUM MR. EDWARD G HERRING AND HIS BEAUTIFUL BRIDE MRS. MRS. BARBARA P. HERRING FOR A SCHOLARSHIP A 17 AND.5 AT POVERTY LEVEL , TO A VERY PROMINENT REPUBLICAN SOUTHERN BAPTIST AND WATCH MEMBER OF THR UNITED METHODISTS, ONLY CHRIST KNEW DR. JIM AND MY BOND, MY MOM DR. AS SHE CARRIED ME TO BE BORN, IN 1970, THE YEAR THE LORD BROUGHT THE RACES TOGETHER, CALLED THE NEW ACT, BORN AT UMC, A 20 YEAR FIGHTER OF BI POLAR SOON TO BE A SUCCESSFUL DR. IN THE FIELD OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, IN 2008, I WAS SO SICK HAVING A RELAPSE IN BI POLAR, DR. JIM, DURING THE HOLIDAYS GOT ME MY KLONOPIN TO HELP, EVEN THOUGH A HOSPITAL STAY, BUT I CAME OUT TO LET THE FAMILY KNOW I BEN IN THE HOSPITAL, BU THE LORD BLESSED ME TO SEE PAUL, TO LET HIM KNOW TO TELL MRS. ROBERTA IM BACK WORKING ON HER KEEP SAKE PHOTO ALBUM OF DR. JIM AND THE VIDEOS OF A WARRIOR, IM MOURNING TOO, REMEMBERING CHUCKIE FIGHT AS I FIGHT TWO REBELS, IM FROM FRANKLIN COUNTY MISS, HE FROM FRANKLIN ALABAMA, WE LOOK ALIKE , SIMILIAR LIFE STORIES, AND MY LOYAL FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE FRIEND THAT REPRESENT DR. JIM, HOUSE SENATE DIST 92, REBECCA CURRIE, MY BELOVED SENATOR 37, MS. MELANIE SOJOURNER, GOD BE WITH YOU DOING YOUR LOSS, MY STATE REPP BOBBY MOAK, GOP FRIEND SENATOR SALLY DOTY, MY COMMISSIONER CINDY-HYDE SMITH, CONGRESSMAN GREG HARPER, SENATOR, ROGER WICKER, MY TWO GOP ELECTED OFFICIALS GOP GOV PHIL BRYANT, AND LT TATE REEVES, MY LOCAL GOP CHAIRMANS, HAL LEONARD, MR, JOHN ROBERTS, MR. BRUMFIELD, BARNETTS, HE DR. JIM IS MISSED, I KNOW HE IS PROUD SOON, I WILL BE DRIVING MY FIRST E 350 MERCEDES SEDAN AND NEVER GAVE UP A DR, IN PSYCHOLOGY IN SPITE OF, THE ED HERRING FAMILY MY TRUE FRIENDS IN FRANKLIN AND LINCOLN AND MY ENTIRE CHURCH FAMILY EASTHAVEN BAPTIST, MAY GOD STRENTHEN YOU ALL, EXCUSE THE TYPOS. BOBNBY RAY THOMAS-DR.-2-BE, HODDIE TODDIE
How you can show support
August 20, 2013
Dear "ones".. . Thank you for your calm messages for our family. We need your continued prayers for each one! Know we love and appreciate YOU! ! Roberta and family
Cousin Lelia Fortkamp
August 6, 2013
Roberta, Our hearts are thinking of you with love and prayers. You were so missed ath reunion that Dr. Jim would have loved, Thought of him the whole time, and shared tears with Sharon and John in their loss. Love you dearly, Lelia and Floyd
July 31, 2013
Roberta: Please accept my sincere condolences on Jim"s passing. I considered him a true friend....Milo Meacham --- The Woodlands, Texas
July 30, 2013
My deepest sympathy to your family. May our loving Creator grant you guidance, strength and comfort during this difficult time. He invites us to approach him in prayer, to pour out our heart to him. (Psalm 62:8)
July 30, 2013
When someone you love dies, we need to go to God for comfort. (Jeremiah 29:12) says “And YOU will certainly call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to YOU.” His word can equip you with “power beyond what is normal” to go from one day to the next.
Lynn Posey
July 30, 2013
It was such an honor to serve with Dr. Barnett. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Liles Williams
July 30, 2013
Ruth Ann and I are saddened by the death of our good friend Dr. Barnett.
We have many good memories of trips we made with Dr. and Roberta during his tenure in the MS Legislator and an active member of The American Legislative Exchange Council. As pointed out in his obituary, his love of State and Country were genuine and he made significant contributions to make Brookhaven, Mississippi and The United States of America a better place.
Our prayers are with the family.
July 29, 2013
May the family be comforted by our Heavenly Father's promise at Isaiah 65:17,22-24.
T.C. ...
July 29, 2013
May Jim's good deeds live on in your memories as you look God to comfort you in your time of mourning. (Isaiah 61:2).
Dwayne Bickham
July 29, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
July 29, 2013
My condolences to Dr. Jim Barnett friend's and family. May the "God of all comfort" -1 corinth 1:3-4 be with u during your time of grief.
Mary Meredith
July 29, 2013
God Bless You Mr. Barnett. May you now RIP................
July 29, 2013
MAY THE GOD OF PEACE BE WITH THE FAMILY.HE HAS SAID I-I MYSELF AM THE ONE THAT IS COMFORTING YOU PEOPLE."...ish.51:12...
Ms. Alexander
July 29, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your lost, May you find comfort in the God of peace.
Linda Hollowell
July 28, 2013
My dear Roberta and Family:
What wonderful memories we have of
you and Dr. Jim while we were in Brookhaven .
He was one of Bro. Tom's greatest
supporters. He truly loved his pastor
and his pastor's family.
He will always have place in my heart. You both were wonderful members
of the Open Door Sunday School class.
May the Holy Spirit come to you and
your family now and in times ahead to
comfort and bring peace and grace to
all of you.
In Christ,
Linda Hollowell &
Bro. Tom's Spirit
Peter & Susan Hondru
July 28, 2013
We are so very sorry to hear of Dr Jim's passing. Our sympathies to Roberta & his entire family.
Our love,
Pete & Sue Hondru
Pete and Melba
July 28, 2013
What a Guy! Great memories
Thomas and Sheila Linn
July 28, 2013
Our heavenly father will not leave you during this time of sorrow. Our love and prayers will be with you. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Thomas and Sheila Linn (Sheila Barnett Linn - my parents were Sam and Elaine Barnett - Vaiden, Ms.).
Don Parsons
July 28, 2013
I did not know Dr. Jim nor do I know the family. However, I wanted to extend my sincere condolences. Dr. Jim's was a life well lived. His loss will be felt not only by the immediate family, but by those in Brookhaven and LIncoln County. In fact, it is a loss to the state of MS. I thank God for his life, ask His peace on this family, and offer a hottie toddie on a life well lived - one that made other's lives better.
Susan & Carl Walters
July 28, 2013
Richard, so sorry for the loss of your Dad. May God's peace surround you and the entire family. Thinking of you.
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