John J. Barnes Jr.

Jack was born to John J. Barnes, Sr., and Mary Loretta Perry Barnes in New London, Connecticut on November 8, 1932. A remarkable educator and advocate, Jack began teaching in a two-room schoolhouse in Glastonbury, CT after graduating from Teachers College. His career in education included years as a teacher, a principal in Hartford, CT and Marblehead, MA; a curriculum coordinator in Hingham, MA, and a superintendent in Cheshire, CT, and Barre, VT. After retiring formally from his Barre superintendency, he served as interim superintendent in Randolph, VT.

Jack loved children, and they were drawn to him; that connection led to his long and distinguished career in education. Jack’s many civic contributions included years of service to the Rotary Club, serving as an officer, and participating in two service trips to Honduras, where club members brought medical supplies and worked to build a school. Jack delighted in time spent with his family, friends, and his many labrador retrievers. Jack was proud of his Irish heritage and traveled to Ireland to trace his roots. He also enjoyed camping, singing with barbershop quartets, and tinkering in his garage.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Kathleen Marie Wall Barnes, of Harwich Port; daughters Kristine Marie Barnes Kirkaldy (Andrew) of Middlebury, VT, and Mary Alicia Barnes (Russell Wright) of Natick, MA, sons Timothy John Barnes (Tamara) of Portland, CT, Matthew Aaron Barnes (Rachel) of Chatham, MA, and Mark Andrew Barnes (Ericka) of Middletown, CT; siblings James Barnes (Anne) of Hardwick, MA; Catherine Barnes Geary (Stephen) of Falmouth, MA; Michael Barnes of East Bridgewater, MA; Patrick Barnes (Carolyn), of Fort Myers, Florida; Maureen Barnes of New York City; many nieces and nephews, and nine grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA on Saturday, September 9th, at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Cape Cod Alzheimer’s Family Support Center in Brewster (www.alzfamilysupport.org) or The Rotary Foundation (rotary.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nickersonfunerals.com for the family.