I am doubly saddened to see of John's passing. First for I am just now seeing this. Second, because he was always so friendly and gracious to me. His quick wit at the State Wrestling Tournament, and many, many, NCATA meetings was second to none. Our Lord is so good. I know John was welcomed in the church eternal with open arms. I look forward to him, and so many other wonderful athletic trainers who have gone on showing me around.

Jane, Jonathan and family members I am so sorry for your loss. he was such a wonderful and caring person and his sense of humor helped me through a lot of painful days at North Garner during my lupus flare ups.my  husband and I were lucky enough to have John take pictures at our wedding and they turned out great! I am so grateful that I had him in my life. Whenever I think of him I smile

I taught with Mr. Barnes back in the 90s at NGMS and absolutely adore him. He was such a character - the way he interacted with the students and athletes. When I had my wedding, he was kind enough to take photographs. I have two teenagers now and they know who Mr. Barnes is, well, sort of. That's because when I taught at NGMS, I bought this wooden neck massager and would tease with John because it had a bald head just like he did. My kids ask me 'Where's Mr. Barnes? My neck hurts.' When I heard about his passing, I asked them if they remember Mr. Barnes. They said 'Of course. It's the massager!'
He left a great mark on this earth and positively touched so many lives. He will be greatly missed.

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Barnes.  During my time at CHS he was one of my track coaches.  He was one of the most dedicated, motivating and encouraging coaches I can ever remember during my years of athletics.  Mr. Barnes was truly an amazing person with so much positive energy and a beautiful spirit.  His sense of humor could make anyone smile and would help settle any nerves I had before a big race.  He went above and beyond as a coach and athletic trainer every day on the job.  He will be missed!  Sending my condolences to the family.

John was ourAthletic Trainer at North Garner while I taught and coached from 1987-2003.He was the hardest working trainer I had worked with in 36 years as a coach.John would help in PE classes if we had an injury. One day he volunteered to hold a pad on defense and he got his arm broken when he got knocked down. John drove himself to the hospital and was back at practice the next day wearing a cast. John was a super teacher, trainer, and friend in every way. He is sorely missed. God has a great person in his heaven now. 

What a great man Mr Barnes was. I work for Johnston County Emergency Services and I worked with Mr Barnes in several occasions organizing PR events for Clayton High School Band for ambulance coverage if needed. Mr Barnes also successfully completed the EMT class as JCC which I was one of the many instructors!!  On several occasions Mr Barnes and his wife would call me and ask for a head count at the EMS station in Clayton and then a little while later he would show up with a BBQ or Chickens dinner for everyone there!! Men like Mr Barnes are hard to find and I believe that God always takes the good ones way too soon.  I’m certainly going to miss our talks Mr Barnes!!! I will see you again one day my sweet friend May God Bless this entire family

Diane and I both thought so much of John. We were so lucky to have been able to see him on Sunday mornings all those years. We appreciated his sense of humor, kind words and encouragement to Lewis. It meant a lot to us. We are thinking of you and praying for you.
Kindest regards and love,
Lewis's Mom and Lewis's Daddy
Chip and Diane

Dear Jane and Family,
I have wonderful memories of many football Friday nights laughing with you and watching John take care of our boys. I am eternally greatful for the care and consideration he gave my son when he was seriously hurt and how his sweet reassurance to me on the phone was such a comfort  John was a kind and funny man and he will be missed  May your memories comfort you and Gods eternal promise give you peace. Much ❤️ 

I cannot think of a memory  of being in John I's presence but what there was a smile, laughter or some sort of comic statements made. I can only imagine what living with him was like... I know that there was some kind of antic going on all around... but what a legacy - to be remembered as one who brought joy everywhere he went...I know there was a serious side of John I too because of all the many ways he blessed so many folks with his time and giving of himself. The boys who marched in every Christmas parade with him in downtown Clayton is an etched memory that will never fade.  We are so sorry for your loss and pray that you will be comforted by the many memories he left behind.  We love you all. Danny & Valerie Dupree

Jane, Jonathan, Paula, Jackson, Collin, Ryan,  Owen, Billy and Susan,
The picture chosen for John I's Memorial almost makes you think he is a serious man. Well, I guess John could be serious, but most of the time his sense of humor won out and where ever you were you were laughing.
Jane, as you know, John loved you the most. He was very concerned about what you would do when he was gone. I promised him I would be there for you and I am.
Jonathan, your Dad, was so proud of you. He was so excited when you married your new family. He watched and shared stories of you and your family, always funny stories, maybe not always totally true, but very funny. 
Paula, John loved you like a daughter,  he was so happy to have you added to his little family.
Jackson, Collin, Ryan and Owen, your Granddad was so happy to have you as members of the scout family and most of all as part of the Barnes family.
Billy, I remember when we were in school,  how much you looked up to your big bother, I did, too. As I looked at the picture of John as one of captains of the football team, I thought it was you. I never realized how much the two of you looked alike at that same age.
Susan, I am sure you will miss your big brother.

My friend, John Barnes, I will miss you  but I  will smile as I  think of you and the stories you told.
Love to all of you,
Frankie Penny Medlin

Mr. Barnes was an amazing teacher! He was so invested in his students and our success. He always went above and beyond to engage students in his classroom. I can still remember his photography class at NGMS. He spent countless hours supporting the athletics programs and motivating middle school students.  He truly made a difference. 

I will always remember John I. as an easy-going, quick-witted, easy-to-like classmate and friend in the Clayton High School class of 1962. I specially remember our time playing football with Coach Nixon as we entered the Capital Area 2-A conference for the first time. My sincere condolences to his family. He will surely be missed.

John, "JB to me" Barnes  was a very caring individual that I had the priviledge of working with in the beginning of my career.  I loved every minute of the times we spent laughing and talking at NGMS sporting events.  I felt it an honor to share a small portion of my career with him.  

John was a wonderful man and always brought smiles when we would see him come in the office. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. He will be missed. 

If you ever had the pleasure of meeting John  you have been blessed. I’m sure he brought a big smile to your face and much laughter. You will be so missed. Sending prayers to Jane and Jonathan and family. May your fond memories of John always bring a smile or tears. What a wonderful person to have shared your life. 
Love you all. 
Mac and Kathy

Always enjoyed John, one of the best - wanted what was best for students and athletes!

Our sincere condolences to the Barnes family.  Mr. Barnes was our wonderful neighbor and friend for over 25 years.  He was always willing to help out where he could.  He  offered  a smile and a joke almost every time we saw him.  He will be missed.  

Jeff, Pandora, Chelsea, and Jamerson Pearson

Mr. Barnes was always so kind and warm hearted. Our prayers for comfort and peace are with you all

The entire North Carolina Athletic Trainers Association sends our thought and prayers to friends and family. John was a faithful member and a positive servant to the athletes he served. His attitude was always positive and always willing to lend a hand. A warm smile was his greeting. He touched many lives thru his work as an athletic trainer and served as a positive role model for many students and colleagues alike. 

Mr. Barnes had something about him where if you happened to run into him around town, it always seemed like seeing you was the highlight of his day. I know for sure it always was when I got to see him. Praying for you all!

OBITUARY

John Irvin Barnes III

February 11, 1944 – December 7, 2019

McLaurin Funeral Home & Pinecrest Memorial Park

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