James "Jimmy" Andrew Barnett

Our son, brother, father, uncle and friend James “Big Jim” Barnett died peacefully at home on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Tampa, Florida, at the age of 65. Jimmy was an imposing presence, known equally for his tough exterior and kind-hearted interior. He is remembered by many for his generosity and an unwavering willingness to help others in need. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Jimmy is survived by his mother, Barbara McCormick of Tampa, FL; daughter, Shawna King of Tampa, FL; sister, Betsy Koivisto (John) of Norfolk, VA; niece, Katie Koivisto (Lauren) of Denver, CO; and nephews, Mike Paynter (Liz) of Bloomington, IL, Joseph Koivisto (Courtnye) of Greenbelt, MD, and Nick Paynter (Ashley) of Towanda, IL. He is preceded in death by grandparents, Frank and Mary Putnam of Tampa, FL, and Marie Worley and Sam Barnett of Muskogee, OK; his father, Andrew Barnett of Tampa, FL; former spouse, June Barnett of St. Petersburg, FL; daughter, Kaci Barnett of St. Petersburg, FL; baby brother, Gregory of Ft. Campbell, KY; and sisters, Jodi Barnett of Portsmouth, VA and Janna Bliss of Bloomington, IL

Jimmy was born on December 22, 1959 in Ft Campbell, Kentucky to Barbara and Andy Barnett. As an “army brat” Jimmy had the opportunity to move around and live in different states including KY, TN, NC, VA and FL. South Tampa became Jimmy’s permanent home in 1976 where he was a fixture for nearly 50 years. He graduated from Robinson High School in 1978.

Jimmy enlisted in the Marines after high school, completing boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island in South Carolina. He went on to Camp LeJeune in North Caroline for Advanced Individual Training (AIT), and received an honorable discharge after serving 2 years. Jimmy had many talents which he put to use as a skilled manual laborer, working hard over the years with his strong hands and back. Jimmy was well known for his scrapping business “Big Jim’s Hauling” in South Tampa, through which he built many meaningful and lasting relationships.

Jimmy was known for his love of the outdoors and his passion for preserving and protecting nature. A life-long fisherman, Jimmy was especially close to the water and was generous in sharing his catch with others.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 1-4 PM at the Hugh Gilbert Strickland American Legion Post #138, 5535 W. Prescott St, Tampa, FL 33616. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jimmy’s life. A private interment will follow at a later date at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL. In lieu of flowers, Jimmy’s family is requesting that donations be made to the American Legion Post #138.