James Barnes

1946 - 2025

On October 5, 2025 at approximately 12:51 p.m., my brother and I lost our lifelong hero, our father. James J Barnes was also a beloved grandfather, brother, son, uncle, nephew, cousin, mentor, and friend. He was a man, whose life was defined by his passion for teaching, his devotion to his athletes, and his deep love for his family. He was born in Fairless Hills June 9, 1946. He grew up playing many sports, but excelled at football and wrestling. He attended Appalachian State University where he played football and wrestled. After graduating, he went on to coach many schools in North and South Carolina. Over the course of 41 years, Coach Barnes left an everlasting mark on high school wrestling. He began his coaching career in 1971 at Union High school, went on to coach at Airport High school, and Rock Hill High school until 2000. After that he had short stints at Weddington High school and E.E. Waddell High school, both in NC. He was a well thought of defensive coordinator, but found dominance as a head wrestling coach. During his time in SC, he compiled a record of 415-23, won 17 team state titles and coached 85 individual state champions. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007, the South Carolina Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015, and the York County Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. Coach Barnes's success went far beyond wins and titles. He was known for his unwavering commitment to his students and athletes, often going above and beyond to support them off the mat. Coach Barnes gave more than 40 decades of his life to education and athletics, teaching physical education and coaching football and wrestling. His legacy lives on in the countless students, athletes, and fellow coaches he inspired with his guidance, discipline, and belief in the power of hard work. Surviving Jim, are his sons, Cole Barnes of Rock Hill, Tanner Barnes (his fiancé Kaija Bailey) of Spartanburg , his grandchildren Cabe, Cambree, Tate, Trace, and Maddox. His sisters, Lynda Pramuk (George) of Lumberton, TX, and Lana Klein (Robert) of Morgantown, WV, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James (Ed) Barnes and Alberta Baer Barnes, his long time partner Paula Lancaster, and his daughter in law Kristin Edwards Barnes. A Celebration of Life will be held at McGirt Auditorium- 825 Crawford Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29730 on November 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. Fly High Jim, you will be missed.