Jimmie Dan Barnes

Jimmie (Whetstone) Barnes passed over to her heavenly reward April 30, 2014, at her home in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was 87 years old. Family has always been her joy and happiness, and her loving family surrounded her at her passing.

Jimmie Dan Elam was born July 24, 1926, at her family farm in Coryell County Texas. She was the youngest girl and the second youngest overall of 10 children born to Isom and Nora Elam.

Her foundational years consisted of family, faith and helping work the family farm near Evant, Texas. She graduated from Evant High school in 1942, lettering all 4 years in basketball. That summer, she moved to Corpus Christi to live with her sister and attend business college.

In 1945, while working for Montgomery Ward's Department Store downtown, she met and later married her first husband, James P. Whetstone, Sr. They were married for 27 years. She quit her job and began the labor of love of raising her family. To this union, three sons were born--James, Jr., Charles and Louis.

She was very involved in the lives of her boys-- Boy Scout Den mother, PTA President, Sunday School Teacher, Founding Member Oil Belt Little League Ladies Auxiliary, Summer Recreation Leader and anything else that she could do to enrich the lives of her sons.

In 1963, after the boys were all in school, Jimmie began a truly enjoyable career as office manager for Cain's Coffee Company. Her reputation, work ethic and professionalism were known far and wide by the hospitality and restaurant industry. She served several years on the staff of the Texas Restaurant Association. Some of her fondest memories were the get-togethers at the Petroleum Club, Bar-B-Que Man, Ship Ahoy, Old Mexico, Snapka's, Floyd's and many other of Corpus Christi's popular and enjoyable restaurants.

In 1975, Jimmie married Irwin 'I.B.' Barnes, U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer (retired). This marriage began a new and exciting chapter in Jimmie's life. She retired from Cain's in 1988 after 25 years of service. Jimmie and I.B. traveled the country, starting off with a 6 month trip that stretched from Texas to Canada, coast to coast. They both loved traveling and did so for many years.

Jimmie's most enjoyable and fulfilling times were those spent with her sons and their families. In fact, she doubled the size of her home and designed an addition with the specific purpose and goal of bringing her family together. While there have been many gatherings through the years, far and away the most memorable were our family Christmases. For more than thirty years, the Barnes’ home was alive at Christmas with family and friends as we celebrated the Joyous season.

Jimmie was preceded in death by her parents, all her siblings and her husband, I.B.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: James, Jr. and Carmen Whetstone of Lake Mcqueeney, Tx., Charles and Sandra Whetstone, and Louis and Danice Whetstone of Corpus Christi, Tx.

Her grandchildren: Carlos (Andrea) Saenz of Austin, TX, Michelle (Jeff) Andersen of Dallas, TX., Amanda (Mark) Deaver of Rosharon, TX., Penny (Cowboy) McCool of San Antonio, TX., Jamye (Brent) Shriver of San Diego, CA., James III (Ashley) Whetstone of San Antonio, TX., Sarah Whetstone of Sinton, TX., Sean Whetstone and Anthony Whetstone of Corpus Christi, TX., Geoffrey Hillner, of Leming, TX.

Her great grandchildren: Colewyn and Isabella Saenz, Kyndal and Kaylyn Deaver, Chloe and Seamus McCool, Reid, Jack and Hunter Andersen.

Mom's services will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home. Family Visitation is Monday, May 5th, 2014, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A celebration of her life will start at 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 6th at Memory Gardens Chapel. Graveside service will follow.

Mom had been a devoted and active member of Norton Street Church of Christ. Her Pastor, Brother Eddie Rodriguez, will officiate.

I Corinthians 13: 4-7, 13: 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.