James Edward Barnard

James Edward Barnard, 80, of Nemo, Texas passed away at his home on September 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. James is survived by his wife, Sammie, son Ken Barnard and wife Stacy, daughter Carrie Chism and husband Ty, grandchildren Lauren, Sam, D.J., Fisher, and great grandchildren, Lily, Avery, Lane, and Tucker. James was preceded in death by his parents Marlie and Marie Barnard.
Born on September 1, 1945, James grew up in the Granbury, Texas area where he attended Granbury schools and finished his education at Godley High School in Godley, Texas. While in high school, James met the love of his life, Sammie Oldham, while cruising down Barnard Street in Glen Rose, Texas. James and Sammie were married right out of high school and just celebrated 61 years of marriage in August. They went on to have two children together, Kenneth Edward and Carrie Leann. Family life together included working on the farm and in the peanut field and enjoying many fun vacations together.
James loved farming and ranching and had a special place in his heart for his cows. He often referred to them as "his girls" or maybe Sammie did anyway. In addition to his time on the tractor and tending to his cattle, James was employed by General Motors Corporation and retired after 31 ½ years. He also served as Somervell County Commissioner and was passionate about serving the citizens of precinct 4 and 5 for 12 years.
Though he loved farming and ranching, James' favorite role was that of a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Papa James. He was also a silent giver to many friends and organizations such as Samaritan's Purse, Wounded Warriors Project, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, just to name a few.
James was a member of First Baptist Church of Glen Rose, Texas. He was in awe of how God could love someone so much that He would send His Son to die on a cross for our sins. James found comfort in knowing that if "you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
James will always be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and kind heart. He never met a stranger and was a friend for life to those he loved.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 3, 2025 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Wiley Funeral Home Chapel, Glen Rose, Texas.
Services will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 beginning at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church, Glen Rose, Texas.
Burial will follow at Herndon Valley Cemetery, Somervell County.
Arrangements under the care of Wiley Funeral Home, Glen Rose, Texas. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.