Funeral service for James M. Barnes, age 86, of Fayetteville, TN will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home with Dr. Ronnie Gay officiating. Burial will follow in Barnes Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 5 PM until 8 PM at Higgins.

James was born on September 5, 1938, in Lincoln County, Tennessee, to the late Herman Lee Barnes and Beulah Patterson Barnes Ashby. His fond memories often returned to his days at the Eighth District School on Rocky Nob. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, James lived a life full of purpose and dedication.

He was a true jack-of-all-trades, he loved time spent on his farm, and for 39 years he was a familiar face at Ashby Hardware, where his reliability and warmth left a lasting impression. James’s thirst for knowledge and faith led him to earn an Associate’s degree from Heritage Bible College in Huntsville, Alabama. He shared his spiritual insights as a preacher across the area, finding a cherished home with Brogan Avenue Baptist Church, where he often stepped into the pulpit and nurtured his church family.

James will be remembered for his love of life, devotion to family, sharp sense of humor, and deep kindness. He passed away on December 31, 2024, at his home, surrounded by the love of those he held dear. His legacy of laughter, compassion, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Patsy Gatlin Barnes; sons, Tim (Trish) Barnes, Jimmy (Teressia) Barnes; daughter, Mechelle (Zeke) Slaaen; grandchildren, Daryl Luna, John Barnes, Angie Boudffanie, Ashton Dupre; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Oliver (Gail) Prince; sister, Mary Lee (Tommy) Keith; sister-in-law, Elaine Moore; and several other extended family members. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his son, Lee Barnes; grandson, James Robert “J.R.” Barnes; sister, JoAnn (Calvin) Jacobs; and brothers, Bobby (Faye) Barnes, Johnny (Karen) Prince, and David Moore.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James M. Barnes.