James Edward Barnett went to be with the Lord, Monday May 28, 2018, at his home with his loving wife Linda (Sparks) of 48 years. He was born in Madison County, North Carolina on February 6th, 1943. He graduated from Cahokia High School in 1963. Jim endured a tragic car accident at a very young age causing him to be confined to a wheelchair his adult life. However, a wheelchair did not stop Jim. He was an avid tennis player, played wheelchair softball and had a true love for fishing. In 1988, Jim and his longtime friends, Ron Mauer and Jim May of St. Louis, had the opportunity to introduce wheelchair sports in Australia. Jim retired from Medical and Respiratory products where he was able to share his knowledge of wheelchairs and durable medical equipment helping others.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Charles Oakley Barnett and Bessie Lee Helton Barnett of North Carolina. He is survived by 4 siblings, Leo Willis, Ronnie Goldsmith, Charles (Bud) Barnett, Rev. Larry Coates all of North Carolina, and David Barnett of Illinois. Father-in-law Charles Sparks of Fairview Heights, brother-in-laws, Larry Sparks (Vicki), Donald Sparks (Margaret), Jeff Wild (Char) of Illinois. Jim will be missed by many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Jim was a member of Anchor of Live Church in Belleville Illinois. Officiating the service will be Pastor and friend Wesley Hart, on Saturday June 2nd at Lake View Memorial, 5000 N. Illinois St. Fairview Heights, Il. Visitation 10am-12pm with services at noon. Memorials may be made to Anchor of Life Church.
Per Linda’s requests, please leave any condolences for the family online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com to be included in Jim’s Memory Book.
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