James Edward "Jim" Barnes

Abingdon, VA - James Edward “Jim” Barnes, Sr. passed away July 2nd, 2017 at Johnson Memorial Hospital. He was 77 years old, born October 2nd, 1939. Jim and his wife, Audrey, owned and operated The Office Place in Abingdon for 26 years. Jim was a member of Highlands Fellowship and a former member of the Highlands Honor Guard. In addition to church, he loved golf and the Tennessee Vols.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Golda Barnes and in-laws Lonnie and Cleo Kiser.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Audrey Kiser Barnes, his daughter, Benita (“Nita”) Barnes Thompson (spouse, Howard), and his son, James (“Jay”) Edward Barnes, Jr. Also surviving are his two granddaughters, Ruthi McNerlin and Tess McNerlin Dykstra (spouse, Alex). Jim leaves two sisters, Shirley Ornduff (spouse, Jim) and Carolyn Harlow (spouse, Marvin), brothers-in-law Willis Kiser (spouse, Georgia), Clyde Kiser (spouse, Shirley), Larry Kiser, James Kiser (spouse, Linda), Gerald Kiser (spouse, Mildred), John Burson (spouse, Nina Kiser Burson), a special aunt, Rose Long (spouse, Farrell), special niece Lynn Orduff Buckner (spouse, Larry), his nieces, nephews, and neighbors Linda and Jerry Hayes.

Visitation with the family will be held 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Daniel Garrett and Brian Rasnake officiating. Committal services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Eddie Hensley, David Kiser, Roger Kiser, Marvin Tate, Mike Yaniero, and Mark Kiser serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be former employees of The Office Place and the members of Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Highlands Fellowship Food Pantry, P.O. Box 553, Abingdon, VA, 24212, in Mr. Barnes’ name.

A few words from Jim’s children:
We want to say thank you to all the people who came by to make Dad’s last day so amazing. On Wednesday, Dad was admitted to the ICU. After two days on life support and unresponsive, he woke up. For one brilliant, miraculous day, he was Jim Barnes again- cracking jokes, flirting like crazy with Mom, and generally just lighting up the room and everyone around him. During the day, so many good friends and relatives came to see him. It was a day full of laughter and love and sunshine; every second was golden. As we were settling in for the night, Dad told us, “It amazes me how much I love you all. I can’t believe my heart can hold it all without bursting.” To the people who knew him, that’s who he was. Sunday morning around 9:50 am he passed away, held and comforted by those he loved most. Our family is so, so thankful to all of you who came out, sent messages, and have loved and supported Mom and the rest of us since he became sick. Thank you so much, and know that Dad and our family love and appreciate you all.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The Barnes family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.