Jimmy Lee Barnett

He was born in Nicholson, GA on March 13th, 1946 to Ouida and Otis Barnett. He was a 1964 graduate of Commerce, GA high school. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and served for over 21 years. His duty stations included Texas, Minnesota, California, Arizona, Vietnam, New York, and South Dakota. The last six years of his service were spent as an Air Force recruiter in Rome, N.Y. Jimmy retired as a Master Sgt. in 1984, and received numerous medals during his active duty. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for New York State for 20 years serving others with compassion.

On October 10th, 1970, he was united in marriage to Judith Ann Vaccaro at St. John the Baptist Church in Rome, N.Y. by Father Hearn. He is survived by Judy, his loving wife of almost 55 years. He is also survived by his children Jennifer (Andrew) Gillette of Big Flats, N.Y. and Jeffrey (Kelly) Barnett of Charlotte, N.C. Jimmy loved his four grandchildren tremendously, Kelsey Rose Gillette, Nathan Andrew Gillette, Victor Daniel Barnett, and Isabel Ann Barnett. He is also survived by his three sisters in Georgia, Agnes Peterman, Walla Mae (Emmitt) Butler, Gail (Franklin) Edwards, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Susan and Fred Goux of Mint Hill, N.C. Jimmy was predeceased by his parents as well as his siblings, Ann, Otis Jr., Bobby, Weldon, Mickey, Todd, and his in-laws Vic and Trudy Vaccaro.

Jimmy is remembered as an extremely caring, giving, loving, funny, and selfless husband, father, Papa, and friend. He also loved his “granddogs” Buttons, Snickers, and CoCo. We always knew he was a “dog whisperer.” Jimmy was an avid gardener and crocheted afghans for his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises with Judy.

A funeral mass with military honors will be held on Tuesday, March 25th 2025, at 1:15 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., Charlotte, N. C. He will be buried in St. John the Baptist Church Cemetery, Rome, N.Y.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at The Pines on Carmel Assisted Living Facility for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jimmy’s name may be sent to:

VIA Health Partners (formerly Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region).

P. O. Box 470408

Charlotte, N.C. 28247

Friends may visit online at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com to extend their condolences to the family. Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel.