John Jack M Barnes

John M. (Jack) Barnes, 81, geologist, educator, artist, and philosopher, an Evansville resident since 1960, passed away in his McCutchanville home on July 5, 2011. Born in Ann Arbor, MI, on July 16, 1929, he graduated from Ft. Lauderdale Central High School as a Florida state swimming champion in 1947. At University of Michigan, he earned his Geology B.S. in 1953, M.S. in 1957, and was a member of the NCAA championship swim team. Following employment with Carter Oil and Exxon in oil and gas exploration and production in the Michigan and Illinois Basins, he formed his own Mid-States Consulting Corporation in 1959. As a professor with University of Southern Indiana from 1969 - 1989, he helped develop and teach the Earth Sciences curriculum, authored numerous professional publications and was active concerning energy and the environment. As a volunteer swim coach through the Evansville YMCA, he developed many outstanding young athletes, including national champions and record holders. In retirement, he was an active environmentalist, philosopher, artist, and outdoorsman. He is survived by his sons, William, David, and James; former wife, Catherine Meik, four grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 3 pm on Monday, July 11, 2011, at McCutchanville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Belle McGregor Student Scholarship in Geology at USI, or the YMCA Aquatics program to drown proof Evansville. Condolences may be made online at www.alexandernorthchapel.com. No flowers, please.