Philip Edward Barnes

Philip Edward Barnes, of Jacksonville, FL, began his new life in Heaven on July 31, 2022, after a summer-long struggle with a recurrence of cancer. He was 74 years old. Born in Summit, NJ, he was the son of the late William and Minna Wolfskeil Barnes. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Atlantic Beach in 1953, and soon afterward to the family’s permanent home in Ponte Vedra Beach. Graduating from Fletcher High School in 1965, he went on to Florida State University, graduating with a degree in social welfare in 1969. He worked for the state of Florida for a time, for Cowford Blueprinting, then as a motel maintenance man for a short time. He was employed by the Prudential Insurance Company of America for more than 23 years, first as an agent, then as an underwriter, and later, as an administrative assistant. He was owner/operator of Philip Barnes Photography for 10 years, capturing memories of many weddings, Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, reunions, and portraits. He took early retirement from Prudential in 1995, and began work as a graphic designer in the printing industry a few months later. He worked for Continental Printing for twelve years, and until May of this year, for Minuteman Press. He worked closely with local biographer Susan D. Brandenburg for several years, as graphic designer for the many books she has written, and took great pride in helping create such memoirs. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debbie; sons Bailey E. Barnes (Cathy) and Philip W. “Will” Barnes (Kaori); and daughters Jessie K. Barnes Bell (Scott) and Anna T. Estes (Keith). He was very proud of his 5 grandchildren, Tristan Barnes, Kei Barnes, Jack Barnes, Sophia Barnes, and Adeline Estes. He adored, and was in turn adored by, his five siblings, William E. Barnes, Suzanne Neville, Roxanne Godwin, Katherine Trifiletti, and Carolanne Giles. Remembering him as a kind and gentle uncle are 11 nephews and nieces and 23 great nieces and nephews. Philip took great joy in his family, his dear friends, both lifelong and recent, playing his guitar, reading, the occasional fishing adventure with his son and grandson, photography, a job well done, and all things FSU. He was a beloved and respected man, remembered as one who always had a kind word, some needed encouragement, a keen, dry wit, and a supreme mastery of the English language. He loved his Lord, and enjoyed his association with several church fellowships through the years, including San Jose Baptist Church, Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, and Christian Family Chapel. He will be greatly missed. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 4th, 2022 at 9:30 AM at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 AM at Christian Family Chapel, 10365 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257. In lieu of flowers, please honor the family's request for donations in memory of Philip to Christian Family Chapel, Franklin Street Baptist Church (2521 Franklin Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206), or Community Hospice and Palliative Care. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com for the Barnes family.