James E Barnes Jr.

James Ephraim Barnes Jr. (95) peacefully passed away on March 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in Cleveland, TN. Jim was born on January 14, 1930, in Charleston, SC. He proudly served our nation in the US Navy Reserves and as an active-duty member of the Air Force before working for military contractors as an engineering drawing checker

Jim married his beloved wife, Eleanor Barnes nee Vanek, on February 3, 1951, and they recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary. Eleanor and their five children survive him: Denise (James) Castle of Colorado Springs, CO; James Ephraim Barnes III of Parker, CO; Kim (Roland) Cooper of Colorado Springs, CO; Sharon (Kevin) Siepel of Stafford, VA; and Julie (Mark) Fuller of St. Joseph, MO.

Jim was a proud grandfather to twenty-three grandchildren: Sean (Corrie) McClure, Christina (Tyler) Hobson, Nathan (Amber) Barnes, Becca Cooper, Erin Fuller, Jenny Barnes, Ben Cooper, Abby Fuller, Becky (Chad) Roach, Emily Connors, Austin Siepel, Loren Fuller, Maggie Barnes, Anne Fuller, Jonathan Barnes, Forrest Fuller, Amy (J.J.) Graham, Michael Barnes, Kyrie Siepel, Savannah (Harrison) Crittenden, Deb Barnes, and Ethan Siepel, and ten great-grandchildren: Jenna, Sean, Sophie, Rachel, Kaden, Bryce, Justyn, McKenna, Zoe, and Keira. 

He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Willett and brother, Kenneth Barnes.

For most of his career, Jim worked in the aeronautic industry, including working on the first Atlas missile, and he was instrumental in the development of test equipment used in the F-16 Fighter Program with General Dynamics. On other adventures, he and Eleanor owned an egg ranch and a commercial greenhouse. Jim was a skilled woodworker. He designed and built two beautiful homes and numerous pieces of furniture, many of which can be found throughout his children's residences. Always ready to lend an expert hand, his family visits often included repairs to plumbing or electrical systems and the occasionally remodeled kitchen. His grandchildren remember him most for the family reunions he and Eleanor hosted.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Therese Catholic Church, 900 Clingan Ridge Dr. NW, Cleveland, TN. A luncheon will follow the service.