James Barnette

James A Barnette, 79, of Phenix City Alabama and formally of- Eufaula, Alabama, passed away on December 29th, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Lucille Barnette; grandson, Justin Smith; mother and father in law, James and Daisy Futch; sister in law, Pat Futch and nephew Trey Chambers. He is survived by his wife, Helen Barnette; children, Jimbo Barnette (Wendy) and Angie Presley (Charlie); grandchildren, Jacob Smith (Ashley), Noah Barnette, Nevaeh Barnette, Lanham Berry, Jamie Berry and John Presley; great grandchildren, Adalyn Smith and Ben Smith.

James Barnette, born in Mobile Alabama, formally of Phenix City Alabama and Eufaula Alabama, passed away on Friday December 29th, 2023, at the age of 79. As a young man James would move with his family to Brewton Alabama where he would graduate high school, attend college and join the Army, spending a year in Korea, joining a brotherhood that spans time immortal. As significant as this was, it never compared to him meeting the love of his life, his true soul mate, Helen Futch, who would later, after an intensive investigation from her father, would become his wife of 53 years. This “start” to his life would lay the groundwork for a man that will forever be remembered as a Student, a Soldier, a Husband, a Father, a Grandfather, and a Great grandfather.

He loved to hunt, spending time outside, but he also loved being able to help the people around him. His source of pride was his family, his wife, and his children but he remained, selfless in his desire, to help people, sacrificing his time by being an eternal teacher, always sharing what he knew with anyone who wanted to learn. He was a leader in his church, taking an active role in any way he could including building maintenance, and sound director.

James, my father, was an amazing man. He was a man the rest of us were lucky enough to have known and most of us aspired to be like. In honor of my dad, I would like to quote a verse from Job that to me summarizes everything that he spent his life becoming “I have heard your voice” ”but today I shall see you with mine eyes”. Rest easy dad.

A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Ridout's-Brown-Service Prattville Chapel, 347 East Main Street, Prattville, AL 36067. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 11:15 AM at Oakhill Cemetery, Wetumpka St, Prattville, AL 36067.