James G. Barnett, 61, contractor who ‘lived on vacation’
March 12, 2022
James G. Barnett died March 12 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 61.
He was born May 27, 1960, in Philadelphia, the son of Donald and Nancy Barnett. He attended Jenkintown High School, Bloomsburg University and Temple University.
Mr. Barnett married his Mary Jane on June 1, 1991, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. His love for golf, and the couple’s mutual love for the shore, led them to Myrtle Beach. Soon the family settled down in North Litchfield.
He liked to say the Barnett family lived on vacation. Sunday afternoons from May to August, you could count on finding him at the beach, good book in one hand and cold beer in the other, surrounded by his girls.
Mr. Barnett was a contractor by trade. He and his wife founded Barnett Services, and he built a reputation as a skilled worker and a good man. He took pride in the work that he did and brought enthusiasm and creativity to his projects. He was trusted, respected and loved by his clients and all who he had working relationships with. He loved them, too.
To his three daughters, he was their hero, best friend, confidante, teacher, shoulder to cry on and biggest fan. He was there with the biggest smile and loudest cheer at soccer games, chorus concerts, track and cross country meets, school plays, graduations, swearing-in and white coat ceremonies. He was also present for the rejections, losses, and lows. He made them smile every single day, his family said.
The Barnetts celebrated their 30th anniversary last June with a trip to a Philadelphia Eagles game. They themselves were a dream team, as parents, business owners and a couple.
Mr. Barnett was remembered as gentle and kind. He was, known for his one-liners and expressive eyebrows. He was a great storyteller who was strong in every sense.
He was a member of the Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church Catholic Church, where he served as a lector, usher, sacristan and member of the Knights of Columbus. He was never an official member of the choir, but was nonetheless often the loudest singer from the pews.
He loved golf, warm weather, the Philadelphia Eagles, ice cream, sitting in his spot in the corner of the couch watching TV, shooting hoops, and taking the family dog, Audrey, to the beach.
Mr. Barnett faced an advanced cancer diagnosis with bravery and strength. He fought hard until the very end. He spent his final days, hours and moments surrounded by those he loved most.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Caroline (Jonathan), Grace (Lucas) and Jamie; his brothers, Leon and Bill (Jenny); his sisters, Ann Marie, Grace (Dan), Donna and Mary Agnes (Nicholas); his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Herb, John, Helen (John), Sheila; and his nieces and nephews, Megan, Anna, Sophia, Luke, Ellie, Kelly, Molly, Olivia, Louis, Mathis, Michael, Christopher, Stephen, Mark, Colin, Caitlyn, Tracey and Kelly.
In addition to his parents, two brothers, Ted and John, and a nephew, Reilly, died before him.
A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. today at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church with a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be held at the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Father Pat’s Lunch Kitchen.
There is a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.
