James H. Barnes, age 88 of Cambridge and formerly of Milaca, died November 9, 2018 at The GracePointe Crossing Gables in Cambridge. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 16th at Strike Life Tributes in Cambridge with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Jim and Dorothy enjoyed 63 years of marriage and had many adventures. They met at the San Diego Naval Training Center where Dot worked in the cafeteria. Jim he loved his time in the military and the many friends he made across the country eventually retiring after 20 years. They lived in Kodiak Alaska, San Diego CA, Brooklyn Park, MN for many years eventually moving to their home in Milroy, Indiana.
Jim and Dot loved to travel, sea voyages to Alaska, Panama canal, trips to Branson Mo, It seemed like they were always on the move to somewhere with close relatives. They wintered in Arizona with a small trailer that they bought, then Jim wheeled and dealed and traded it for a motor home so they could see more of the country.
Family get togethers were their most fun times, the jokes and stories he would tell could fill a book. They made a lot of friends and a lot of memories that they would always remember and talk about.
The biggest thing in their lives was each other’s love. Jim would do anything for Dot to be happy. Their love for each other was their greatest bond and it showed every day and everyone that knew them saw it too.
Jim’s outlook on life can be summed up by phrase he would often sing:
“Everyday’s a holiday and every meal a banquet”
Jim is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Larry and daughter-in law Diane Barnes; daughter, Michelle and son-in-law Dean Gallus; 10 grandchildren, Wendy and Tom Bremer, Tami and Rodney Lund, Nikki and Brent Thooft, Jason Barnes, Mike Barnes, Wendy Bremer, Mike Bloomquist and Raynie Sutherland, Lauren Franzen, Liz Franzen; 18 great-grandchildren, Allyssa and Haley Anderson, Andy and Matt Lund, Catherine Voght, Kenna and Aiden Thooft, Caleb, Jaycie, Araya and Jax Blomquist, Jaycob Sakariason, Evan and Avery Fischer, Blake and Landen Fischer, Anneliese Swenson and Cassidee Lytwn; and by many other relatives and friends.
Our deepest to all of the Barnes family our hearts are breaking for you may God give you peace in knowing he is in the arms of Jesus
We are so proud of Jim for his service to our country and for his life with his family. In our younger days, we shared many happy gatherings with Jim and our Barnes families in Richland Indiana with our grandfather Thomas Noah Barnes. Jim’s passing is a sad day for all of us. May God welcome him aboard the USS ForeverSail.
I have nothing but wonderful memories of Uncle Jimmy. In all of my years I don’t think I ever saw him angry or sad. He was always happy to see you, always with a smile and a good dirty joke. His love for Dot and of his family and many friends, as well as his positive attitude towards life, probably had much to do with his longevity. My tears have almost dried in morning and are quickly being replaced with laughter and joy as the memories of my time with him start to resurface. I will always miss and love you Jimmy. I hope and pray that I will see you again someday.