JJ Barnett

Jimmy Joe Barnett, or JJ to many family and friends, was born on February 20th, 1981 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of James and Jacki Gail (Dillard) Barnett. He grew up with one brother, Josh and two sisters, Madison and Mackenzie. Due to his father’s career in the United States Public Health Service, the family relocated from Tahlequah to Chandler, AZ, Edmond, OK, Oologah, Ft. Gibson and finally settled in Tahlequah, OK. No matter where the family called home, you can bet that sports played a pivotal role in their lives. JJ graduated from Tahlequah High School in 2000. He developed a love for horses that knew no end and discovered he was happy to be bull riding and participating in the rodeo. He worked for Stellar Refrigeration and still found time for baseball and softball. In 2007, JJ had met a beautiful young lady that made his heart sing, and he later began dating Sara Drywater. They dated and decided to raise their family together. In 2012, JJ and Sara were married. They raised a family of three children, Hayden, Baylie and Taylor. JJ attended and obtained his Associate Degree in Occupational Safety and Health and worked for Schwans as a Project Safety Management Specialist. He loved the people he worked with and the job he performed. When he wasn’t working, he was coaching his children and everyone elses to play baseball and softball, the games he loved. JJ was an avid OU Sooners fan, and never missed watch a game and yelling at the TV. He loved his family and went out of his way to make sure they knew how to do a job and do it right! Everything from changing tires to caring for chickens, horses, pigs, ducks and dogs and cats. He loved instilling his knowledge into his children. He was a perfectionist, and knew how things should be done. JJ was always dressed to impress, from the top of his head to the soles of his feet, he was clean and organized. He projected strength and confidence yet had a heart as big as the great outdoors. He loved his wife and children deeply. A Christian by faith, JJ and his family attended Barber Baptist Church in Bunch, OK. For all the projects yet to be done and all the highlights in life to be, the Lord called this strong and hardworking man home from his many labors on November 13th, 2024, in Welling, OK. He was 43 years old and leaves a chair that no one else can fill.

He is preceded in death by his granny, Ann Candy, his mother, Jacki Gail Barnett, and two great aunts, Jeannie Oxford and Mary Aneal.

Those left to celebrate his life include his loving wife, Sara Barnett of the home and their children, Hayden Barnett, Baylie Barnett of the home and Taylor Barnett of Stilwell, OK. He leaves his father, James Barnett of Norman, OK and his brother and sisters, Josh Barnett of Tahlequah, and sisters Madison Barnett and Mackenzie Barnet both of Norman, OK, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Jimmy Joe “JJ” Barnett will be conducted on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Tahlequah, OK, with Pastor John Rozell and Pastor Alan Nevel officiating. The family will receive guests at his visitation on Monday, November 18th, 2024 beginning at 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home of Tahlequah. He will be laid to rest Molly Fields Cemetery in Cherokee County.

Pallbearers for JJ include Chris Jobe, Josh Barnett, Corbin Simpson, Trey Chaffin, Chris Chaffin, and Hayden Barnett. His honorary pallbearers include George Hearne, Jack Candy, Roy Candy and Rusty Dillard.