James Wilson Barnes departed this life into God’s presence on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the age of 89. Affectionately known as “Jim,” he was born in Hawthorne, Mississippi, on February 11, 1936, to Woodrow Wilson Barnes and Thadine Bryant Barnes.
From an early age, Jim was both academically gifted and athletically talented—a combination that shaped the course of his life. A graduate of Prentiss High School, he went on to attend Pearl River Junior College, where he excelled on the basketball court, baseball field, and in the classroom. He continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, earning a Bachelor of Science in General Science with a minor in Secondary Education, a Master’s degree in Chemistry, and a Doctorate of Education in Science Education.
Jim devoted his professional life to teaching, returning to Pearl River Community College in 1962 as a science instructor. Over the next 47 years, he impacted the lives of countless students through his dedication, leadership, and passion for learning. He retired in 1999 as Chairman of the Science Department, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence and mentorship.
In 2017 he was awarded the Pearl River Community College Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2021 the James W. Barnes STEM Center was named and dedicated in his honor.
Beyond education, Jim was deeply involved in civic and community life. He served as a City Alderman for Poplarville from 1979 to 1981 and was elected Mayor in 1985.
Above all his accomplishments, Jim’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved being active in his children’s lives and later cheering on his grandchildren in their activities as well. His family was the center of his world, and he took pride in every one of their achievements.
Jim remained an active sportsman throughout his retirement and found great joy and excitement in the outdoors. He especially enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing golf, and working in his garden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Wilson Barnes and Thadine Bryant Barnes.
Left to forever cherish his memory are his loving wife of 64 years, Ramona West Barnes; his son, Mike (Stacy) Barnes; his daughter, Kimberly (Brock) Saucier; grandchildren, Savannah (Seth) Saucier, Briann (Tanner) Bounds, and Dalton (Chyanna) Barnes; great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Bounds, Conner Bounds, and LeighAnna Barnes; and his sister, Carolyn Frances Stringer.
A Graveside Funeral Service, officiated by Dr. John Grant, will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Poplarville City Cemetery beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friends are invited to join the family for a brief visitation at White Funeral Home of Poplarville from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Jim Barnes will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. James W. Barnes Memorial Scholarship at the Pearl River Community College Development Foundation, 101 Highway 11 North, Box 5389, Poplarville, MS 39470. Please include Dr. Barnes’s name on any donations.
