James Steven Barnhart

James Steven Barnhart, 77, passed away December 17, 2025, at his home in Hat Creek, California. Born in Oakland, California, he was the son of George Milton Barnhart and Virginia Rosalind Harsch. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Nevada in Reno for a brief period before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1966. From 1970 to 1971, he served his country In Vietnam during the war, working on the flight line at multiple air combat bases, and was honorably discharged in early 1972 at Travis Air Force Base. He moved to Westwood, California, working various jobs while attending Lassen College to study forestry. This included seasonal forestry positions on the Fremont and Targhee National Forests. He later served as a firefighter with the United States Forest Service, and soon obtained a full-time position as a forestry technician on the Lassen National Forest, Hat Creek Ranger District in Fall River Mills, where he met the woman he was to marry in 1978.

He and Rhonda Lynn Ebelke were married in 1979 at the Glenburn Church. James first worked in reforestation and silviculture, later becoming the District Recreation Officer, responsible for the management of the Thousand Lakes Wilderness, Hat Creek Ranger District campgrounds and trails, Ashpan Snowmobile Park, and the Pacific Crest Trail. He attended the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, and became a collateral Law Enforcement Officer in 1995. He was proud of being a father, a forest Law Enforcement and Recreation Officer, and a Vietnam Veteran. He greatly enjoyed his career outdoors and the camaraderie of the Forest Service. James retired in early 2005.

He is survived by his wife Rhonda, their daughter Kristen, his grandson William, and his cousin Carol Harsch Johnson. A celebration of life will be held in late spring or early summer, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, his favorite charity.