JM Barnes

1936 - 2026

JM Barnes, 89, died Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the North Mississippi Medical Center. He was married for 63 years to Mary Nan Barnes, who died of a sudden illness in 2023.

JM is survived by his daughter, Rita Holloway and her ex-husband, Joe; two sisters, Marge Daly (Joe) of Brandon, and Joyce Hester of Hamilton, AL; one brother, James "Sonny" Barnes of Verona; three sisters-in-law, Jackie Russell of New Albany, Marilyn Helms of Pontotoc, Debbie Robbins (Bud), of Tupelo, and Kim Bounds (Robby) of Pontotoc; three brothers-in-law, Bubba Bass (Charlotte) of Pontotoc, Jerry Bass (Theresa) of Pontotoc, and Mike Bass (Tammy) of Pontotoc; a host of nieces and nephews; and a special friend Perry Barker.

JM was preceded in death by his wife, Nan Barnes; parents, James Barnes and Mary Elizabeth Underwood; sister, Melba Jean Tate; and two brothers-in-law, Dr. Richard Russell of New Albany and Buddy Helms of Pontotoc.

He worked alongside his wife, Nan, for most of their married life at Hunter Sadler/Lanier Clothing in Tupelo, until their retirement.

JM was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, boating and fishing. He raised and sold a variety of animals, primarily, champion-hunting dogs, and had many lifelong friends who shared his passion for hunting. You could say his hunting buddies were almost like a second family to him. It gave him much pleasure to introduce the younger generation to the thrill of being out in the woods at night, listening to the coon dogs run, or taking them squirrel hunting or fishing.

He never had a son, but that didn't stop him from teaching his daughter, Rita, the pride of his life, to also share his love of the outdoors and countless other skills. She, fondly, recalls their Sunday afternoon squirrel hunts that she insisted on as a little girl. She, and many of his friends and family members, have cherished memories and stories to tell about their special adventures with JM Barnes, an amazing, gentle man with a big heart.

Visitation will at 11 a.m. until service time on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Valley Grove Baptist Church.

Services honoring the life of JM Barnes will be at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Valley Grove Baptist Church with Bro. Douglas Kitchens and Bro. Elbert Ray Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at Valley Grove Cemetery. Pegues Funeral Directors have been entrusted with the care of his arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Robbins, James "Bud" Robbins, Robert Bass, Bobby McKissick, Levain Leathers, and Greg Lewis.

Expressions of fond memories and sympathy may be left at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.