Barney leaves behind a profound legacy of courage and determination demonstrated most fiercely during this past year. On New Years Eve, 2025, his family received the difficult news of a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis that metastasizing to other organs. Rather than succumbing to fear, Barney faced the disease as a true warrior entering a relentless and courageous battle. He fought with an unbreakable spirit, refusing to surrender to his illness. He endured countless treatments and challenges with strength that inspired everyone who knew him as he never gave up on his quest for more time with his loved ones; and to get back to the pipeline work he loved so much. His family takes great comfort in knowing that he finished the fight peacefully surrounded by the love of his family and friends in the comfort of their home.
A life well lived, born August 26, 1963 in Alice, TX, spent his life on the pipeline since he was 18 years old and would later would come to be with Troy Companies for 20 years of working as a dedicated foreman and raising his family. He was known for his words, especially how he would word things. He was a generous spirit and had the ability to get things done "The Barney James Way" or no way at all.
He was preceded in death by both his parents, R.B. James and Betty James; and his brothers, Chris Allen James and Clifton O'Neil.
He is survived by Sharon James, his devoted wife of 40 years; his daughter, Tabatha James; his son, Justin James; his beloved grandchild, Madyson, Ronnie James; his brother and wife Adriana; his sister, Pam James and husband Mark Becker; his niece, Laura Wilson and husband Steven, as well as their three children; his niece Cassidy James; and his nephew Michael Becker.
Visitation will be held on December 14, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Grand View Funeral Home, located at 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas, 77505. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 pm, officiating will be Reverend Don Storey. Immediately following, he will be laid to rest at Grand View Memorial Park.
