James Daniel "Jim" Barner

I'm not sure why I googled your name. It could have been triggered by the beautiful campus of Ohio University while dropping my daughter off there this fall.It was first quarter of OU,29 years ago and you needed a haircut. As the quarter went on, you visited our shop and made us laugh. Every appointment- everytime.I don't think you liked OU, but you liked Athens, Ohio.I have often thought of you over the years and prayed you were living the good life. As I read the memories of all these...

Well, here we are years later. I miss you buddy. You're gone but you're still with me. Your picture sits atop my mantle. I think of you often and wish you were around to bounce stuff off of. I know how you like to read so hopefully you're reading this and all those novels you didn't get a chance to finish.
Thanks to you I know you're in a better place, just one of the many things you taught me. You will never be forgotten.

collier

I'm a college friend of Jim's from Austin Peay. I've been trying to track him down for some time via Facebook and other means. I'm quite sad to learn of his passing. I remember Jim as a warm funny person and remember the times we had like it was yesterday. Peace be with you brother. God Bless.

Melissa,

My prayers are continuously with and for you daily. I know that beside every good man stands a good woman. Know that though I didn't get the opportunity to meet your Sweetheart I do know that he had to be a blessed man because your definitely a blessed woman. God bless you Sweetie and may God always watch over and keep you forever. I will be checking on you periodically. Many blessings and take care.

Melissa,
We were so saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing. We remember, with fondness, the times Jim, Paul and Dewayne were in our home visiting our son Ted and listening to their endless laughter....they were all 'such buds'...he was a gentle, kind soul with a twinkle in his eye. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days and weeks to come.

Richard and Trinkie Owens (parents of school friend, Ted)

Melissa,

I'm so sorry to hear about Jim. He was such a great guy. Robby and I really enjoyed our times together at those Cowboy fundraiser events (with Jennifer, Collier and the gang). Please know you are in our prayers and we are here if you need anything at all. Warmly, Allison and Robby Johnson

The day I met Jim I knew I had found a great friend. When he came to work for David's, I found myself working late many nights and my office was a comfortable place to work. Equipped with desk, sofa and TV, staying late was easy and Jim found it a comfortable spot to lay down, watch a little TV and then fall asleep until I was done working and ready to go home. Listening to Texas music and catching some concerts was something we both enjoyed and spending time with Jim, listening to his wit...

Jim was all the things that everyone has said and more. He was a great brother to his siblings, a fine son even when he caused sleepless nights (ah, that free spirit, always), a cool uncle, and a doting and devoted husband. Since several of you never knew his wife Melissa, I thought you should know that Jim married his soul mate. As his sister-in-law, I have known him for nearly 30 years ---since he was 13! --- and I saw him grow into a man, find his way and date his (small) share of women....

The Lord's timing is perfect, and He sent Jim into my life at a time when his gentle spirit and laughing eyes were needed most. It was twenty-one years ago, I was fifteen, and Daddy was dying of brain cancer. Jim would visit...sometimes just to talk with Mama and Daddy, and other times to help out, cutting wood, etc. After The Lord took Daddy home, Jim wrote a poem for Mama entitled "Gone Fishin'". Daddy was a fisherman, and Jim's poem described Daddy doing what he loved best, fishing on...