James Garland Barnett

James was born August 28, 1937 in Edge, TX to Emmett and Winona Lucile Barnett. He spent his childhood years in Hearne, TX and graduated from Hearne High School. On March 28, 1959 he married the love of his life, Elvira “Vi” Springer, whom he lovingly nicknamed “Birdie”. James graduated from the Bryan Police Academy on October 11, 1968 and proudly served as a police officer for the Bryan police Department for nearly 27 years before retiring in 1999 as Sergeant.

James was hardworking and honest and because of those traits he was well respected. Most thought of him as the kindest, sweetest man they had ever met. He was a devoted Christian and loved his Lord. He loved his children, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren, but he devoted his life to his wife, they were inseparable. He held the title for the best milkshake in the world with his family.

James leaves behind his loving wife, Elvira “Vi” Barnett, daughter Shree Townley and her husband James, son Garland Barnett and his wife Sherri, grandchildren, Shala Fendia and her husband Thomas, Keaton Coker and his wife Katie, Kolton Barnett and his wife Kristen, Landon Townley, Kameron Barnett and his wife Malynn, and Alyssa Townley, great grandchildren, Alex and Jacob Fendia, Eleanor and Audrey Coker, Kaylie & Kimmie Wallace, Kinley, Kyndall and Kolby Barnett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Winona (Webster) Barnett.