SALINA – James Homer Barnett, Jr., of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Saturday, February 12, at the age of 84. He was born in Logansport, Louisiana, on March 26, 1937, the 11th child of James, Sr. and Lessie (Baker) Barnett.

James was a gifted athlete in football and track at Logansport High School and attended Southwest Louisiana State University on a football scholarship in Lafayette, LA.

James served as an Air Policeman with the 802nd Air Division in the U.S. Air Force at Schilling Air Force Base in Salina from 1957 to 1961, with nine of those months served in Greenland. He served in the Air Force Reserve from 1961 to 1963.

James married the love of his life, Judith A. Chitty, in 1961. Together they raised three children, with their family eventually growing to include 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Sadly, after 53 years of marriage, Judith passed away in 2014.

James worked at Salina Concrete building silos, Roosevelt Lincoln School and Southeast of Saline Junior High as custodian, Graves Truck Lines, and he retired from Western Auto after 17 years as a truck driver. In retirement he also worked at Mowery Clinic, Benson Construction, and McCall Manor.

Some of Jim’s favorite things to do included fishing, playing and umpiring sports, refereeing football games, card games with family, and playing guitar. Jim loved being involved with the youth in Gypsum who grew up with his kids.

Jim was always available to help with woodcutting, moving, painting, mowing, or whatever job was needed for church, family, and friends.

Jim was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and the importance of salvation through faith in Christ alone. Some of his greatest memories were of serving at church by singing, helping with upkeep of the buildings, and mentoring youth.

James was a member of Gypsum Baptist Church until his move to Salina when he became a member of Ray Avenue Baptist Church.

Preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judith; his father and mother-in-law, William and Hazel Chitty; his sisters Lessie, Linnie, Winnie, Ovell, Maxine, Lola Bee, Doris Lee, and his brother (only known as baby son).

James is survived by his sons Todd and Ty Barnett of Salina; his daughter, Terri (Allen) Burns of Washington; two sisters, Olean Broadus and Ruth Bailey of Texas, many nieces and nephews, and his special friend, Sandra Armstrong of Lindsborg.

Viewing will be at Ryan Mortuary at 137 N. 8th Street in Salina on Friday, February 18th, from 4-7 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 19th, at Ray Avenue Baptist Church, 2801 Ray Avenue, Salina, Kansas. Burial will be at Poheta Cemetery at 9801 E. Magnolia Road in Kipp, Kansas.

For online condolences, please visit www.ryanmortuary.com. Ryan Mortuary in Salina is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Missions Fund at Gypsum Baptist Church or Ray Avenue Baptist Church.