James Arthur Barnes III

James Arthur Barnes III “Jimmy” was born on January 11, 1946 in Washington, DC at Columbia Hospital for Women to the late James Arthur Barnes Jr and Mabel Vance Anderson Barnes White. Jimmy was the youngest of three children. He was baptized at an early age at Mt. Airy Baptist Church. James met and married Ethel (nickname) Smokey (only by him) and from their union one child, Melodia (aka little smokey) was born.

James was educated in the Public School System where he attended Sousa Junior High School and Phelps Vocational High School. He later went to work for the General Services Administration (GSA), Central Heating Plant, C&P Telephone Company, and the United States Postal Service Headquarters.

Throughout his career path, he was highly influenced and motivated by his peers and he was encouraged to become a certified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician and graduated from the class of 1968. During this time, James received the nickname, Double “007”, and that did not stop him as he then received his Steam Engineer license (Third Class) in 1969; in 1971 he received his Steam Boiler license (Second Class), and in 1972, he received his license in Steam Engineering (First Class).

James was a dedicated employee and he received numerous certificates of recognition for his extraordinary service and contributions during his professional career. He retired from the Washington Times as a Stationary Engineer; however, he kept his license in good standing. He was an active participant at the IONA Senior Center. He enjoyed hand dancing, playing board games and spending time with his daughter and grandchildren.

James will be greatly missed by his daughter Melodia Barnes Phillips, grandson Terrell James Phillips II, grandaughter Melia Jamille Phillips, his brother Dennis Earl Barnes (Drucilla), Aunt Ruth Barnes Matthews (Matriarch), Aunt Dallas Barnes, and friend and former wife Ethel Lee Barnes. In addition, to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his sister Linda Marie Barnes Smith and Aunt Alma Dean Stevens-Mickle. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends.