James “Jim” Allen Barnett

James (Jim) Allen Barnett, also known as Daddy and Grandaddy, passed away on December 24^th, Christmas Eve, 2021 to help celebrate the birth of Jesus his Lord and Savior in heaven. James was born March 3, 1930 to the late Allen and Irene Taylor Barnett. He was also preceded in death by his three brothers, Johnny, Jack and Joe Barnett. A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he spent his entire life as a proud member of the Mills River, NC Community. He was a member of Mills River Presbyterian Church, where he was the oldest living member until his death.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy Gaillard Barnett; his four children, Regina (Noland) Ramsey, Johnny (Gale) Barnett, Jeff (Dawn) Barnett and Rob (Sheri) Barnett; sisters, Mary Ashe Hull and Shirley Dockery and many nieces and nephews.

He was the proud Grandaddy to Jennifer Ross, Bryant Barnett, Brooke Barnett, Wesley Barnett, Abby Ramsey, Codi Barnett, Hannah Barnett and Morgan Barnett.

He was also the proud Great-Grandaddy of Jake Ross, Jack Ross, Ramsey Ross, Wyatt Norman, Beau Norman, Cason Barnett, Waylon Barnett and Rory Barnett.

James retired from Cranston Print Works and Mountain Horticulture Crops Research Station. He loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He spent many times telling funny stories to friends and family about his many adventures.

In his youth he was an avid basketball player and instilled the love for the sport to his three sons. He spent many hours enjoying watching each one play as he coached from the audience.

He served in the US Air Force. He was one of the founding members of the Mills River Volunteer Fire Department.

Grandaddy was our family rock, he taught us the true meaning of strength. He will be missed by all who knew him but never forgotten by anyone who met him.

“Well done thy good and faithful servant.”

A graveside service will be held at 11am on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Mills River Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family request that all who attend please wear a mask.

Memorials may be made to the Mills River Presbyterian Church or the Mills River Volunteer Fire Department.

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