JAMES BARNES Jr.

1927 - 2021

JAMES CROSS BARNES, JR.  Colonel, U.S. Army  
Passed away on January 12, 2021. Born in Norfolk, Virginia on September 24, 1927 to parents, James Cross Barnes, Sr. and Evelyn Pointer Barnes. Colonel Barnes grew up in Norfolk, loved to sail, became an Eagle Scout, graduated from Granby High School and was the baby brother to sisters, Anne and Jean.Colonel Barnes attended the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey prior to being accepted at the United State Military Academy at West Point, class of 1950, where he began a lifetime of service in the Military. Duty called and upon graduation, he was ordered to Korea as an Artillery Officer and received the Distinguished Service Cross and Bronze Star with Valor for bravery during combat operations at the Chosin Reservoir Battle. A quote from the Wall of Valor Project. "His selfless devotion to duty reflects untold glory on himself and upholds the heroic traditions of the military service. With complete disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to carry out his artillery fire mission and direct fire on enemy positions."Colonel Barnes returned to Norfolk as a hometown hero, married Barbara Stone Minter Dille from Roanoke, Virginia, relocated to Arlington, Virginia and continued his military career upon graduation from the US Army War College. His home base was the Pentagon prior to two tours of Vietnam as Commander of Artillery Operations along the DMZ. Following his impactful and impressive military career, Colonel James Cross Barnes did not slow down, but instead, spent 10 years working at the Retired Officers Association in Old Town, Alexandria where he was beloved by those who worked with him for quick wit, sense of humor and business acumen.Although Jim Barnes could be a serious and private man, his dry wit and "Spot On" nicknames for people could bring a packed room to tears of laughter in appreciation! He was an inspirational leader who loved his country and his family with inner strength and assurance.Jim Barnes is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bobbie Barnes; his sons, James C. Barnes III and John Adams Dille III; and daughter, Anne Hunter Barnes "Cissy". His extended family also includes four grandsons and three spouses; two daughters-in-law; and two great-granddaughters. Services will be held at a later date. Our hearts are broken, may he Rest in Peace