of Batesville, AR
February 28, 1926 - October 5, 2017
James Franklin Barnett Sr., age 91, of Batesville, died October 5, 2017, at his home. He was born February 28, 1926, in Batesville, and was the son of I. N. Barnett III and Catharine Robertson Barnett.
Barnett attended Arkansas College and graduated from the University of Arkansas. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Barnett served in the United States Army Air Force. He was president of Barnett Brothers Department Store in Batesville. He raised Black Angus cattle and helped manage his family's farmland and timberland. In his own words Barnett said, ''it has been a great pleasure to have participated in the management of some of the most fertile and productive farmland, timberland, and pastureland in the world. A large part of the pleasure has been due to my association and friendship with the families that lived and worked on the land.'' In the past he owned Barnett Equipment Company, the John Deere dealership in Batesville.
Jim felt he was blessed with a long, healthy life that enabled him to take part in many community improvement efforts. He served as mayor of Batesville from 1991-1995. He was a member of the Glass Club and Kiwanis Club, serving the latter as president and lieutenant governor. He was a volunteer at the Old Independence Regional Museum, and served on numerous community boards and committees. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of the Progressive Sunday School Class.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman and naturalist who knew the Independence County region intimately and appreciated its diverse habitats encompassing the Black River bottomland, the White River and the Ozark uplands. In his own words, ''I am likely the only person living that has seen all of the White River, including the part that is covered by Bull Shoals Lake. I have almost certainly floated, waded, and fished more of the streams, creeks, bayous, lakes, and sloughs in Independence County and the surrounding counties than any person that ever lived. It has been a blessing to have lived in a place of so much diversity, from the cypress breaks in the river bottoms, to the pine woods and cedar breaks in our hills.''
Barnett was preceded in death by his parents; by his wife, Lois Fallis Barnett; and by his son Robertson Fallis ''Bob'' Barnett.
Survivors include one son, James F. Barnett Jr. and wife Sharon of Natchez, Mississippi; daughter, Susan Churchill Barnett Matinchek and husband Henry of Batesville; grandchildren, James Franklin Matinchek and Callie Margaret Matinchek; sister, Carol Barnett Robertson, brothers, Ira Nelson Barnett and his wife Sandra, and Charles R. Barnett and his wife Betty all of Batesville.
The Barnett family would like to thank his caregivers: Gail Harmon, Lynnsey Thatch, Sharon Moore, Caring Hands Hospice, and the others who took such loving care of him. We would also like to thank Tucker Thatch for bringing him joy in his last years.
The family will receive friends from 3:00-5:00 pm, Sunday, October 8 at the Barnett Farm, 75 Barball Ln., off Hwy, 25. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 9 at First United Methodist Church, 615 E. Main St. in Batesville.
Memorials may be made to the Old Independence Regional Museum, 380 S 9th St, Batesville, AR 72501 or the charity of your choice.
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9 Condolence(s)
ROWENA LINCOLN HARDINGER
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Please extend my sincere sympathy to the family. I was Jim's debate partner at BHS, and Superintendent, Mr. Owens, drove us in his car to many of our meets, including Nashville,TN. The Barnetts have made many contributions to Batesville. Our families were friends when we lived there from 1932 - 1948. Rowena Lincoln Hardinger . .
Robert Ford and Family
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
I was saddened to read of the passing of my long-time friend. Jim and I shared many memories together down through the years. It was an honor to call him a friend. My deepest sympathy to all the family. May God give each of you peace and comfort during this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Robert Ford, Jr and Family
Janice, Walter, Janicia & Kimberly Sago
Monday, October 9, 2017
Jim
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May God bless you and your family.
Betty Cockrill
Monday, October 9, 2017
Prayers for each family member.
Sarah shreve. Mark shreve
Monday, October 9, 2017
In our thoughts
Gregory Woods
Sunday, October 8, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Barnett’s passing. Loosing a loved one is never easy. I lost my dad in 2010, and my mom in 2012. After my losses, reading Revelation 21:3,4 gave me real comfort. It says: And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. I hope reading these verses also give you comfort during this difficult time. GW
Resa, Todd and Stephanie Bolin
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Prayers to the family and community. Jim was such a true treasure. He had so much knowledge of Independence County and would openly share with you while visiting with him. A southern gentleman that always had kinds words for all. He loved to dote on his grandchildren. I remember when he mailed Jimmy a turtle shell for him. He was proud of them and would tell stories about them too.
Tim Stewart
Friday, October 6, 2017
We are sorry for your loss. I still remember when he served as mayor during the time I was completing a masters in public administration. He was very accommodating to me and I enjoyed attending a few city council meetings in order to complete a class assignment. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Suzanne Kofoid
Friday, October 6, 2017
I worked at his church for 3 years and got to know him while going through historical documents for the church. He was a knowledgeable man and willing to share that knowledge. This part of the world has lost a remarkable person. My deepest sympathy to all the family. May he Rest In Peace.