James "Jim" E. Barnes

Jim was born in Raleigh in 1938, to Elmore Vernon and Mary (Beddoes) Barnes. He graduated from Broughton High School with the class of 1956 and went on to receive his engineering degree from North Carolina State University. On January 24, 1970, he married Jane Katherine Price in Roanoke, VA where they first made their home. He started a career selling equipment for mining and construction, which took Jim and Jane to Beckley, WV, where he made some of his closest friendships that endured for life. With a growing family, he returned to Raleigh for good in 1980. Upon retirement, Jim followed a dream of starting his own successful business, Material Lift Sales.

Jim was an avid music lover, and those who knew him in his younger years could rely on him to light up a room dancing to beach music. He was known for his quick & sharp wit, always ready with a clever pun and a wry smile. He was a devoted friend to his fellow Lamplighters and Kappa Sig brothers. Jim was a member of the Church of the Apostles where he served in several capacities - most recently he enjoyed being the song leader of his Wednesday morning Bible study group. Above all, he loyally ensured the care of his wife and four children.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Jane Price Barnes; son, Jack and his wife Stephanie, of Portland, Oregon; son, David and his wife Lynn, of Raleigh; son, Bill of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Katie Kellett and her husband Ted, of Raleigh. Also surviving is his younger brother Edgeworth, of Raleigh. He will surely be missed by his seven grandchildren, Mia, Miles, Claire, Brooke, Tripp, Nolan and Elaina, who all knew him affectionately as ‘Pops’.

The family will hold a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh on Wednesday, February 17th at 2:00 pm.

Those wishing to do so may make memorials to Church of the Apostles, 333 Church at North Hills Street, Raleigh, NC 27609.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.