Jim was born in Montgomery, Alabama to Earcy and Julia-Alice (Mills) Barnes on January 6, 1955. He attended Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Commerce-Finance and a Master of Business Administration-Economics. Jim worked as a commercial banker providing healthcare debt financing for several regional and national financial institutions. He was an avid athlete from a young age. He played baseball and football in his youth and took up running in graduate school. Jim ran thirteen marathons. He also enjoyed snow-boarding, golf and cycling. He climbed many of the iconic Tour de France mountains, including Alpe d’Huez and the Tourmalet.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
Jim is survived by his partner, Olivia Niemczuk, his sister, Nancy Bryant (Bob), niece Robin Ray, nephews Shane Ray (Katie) and Joshua Ray (Amy), and grand nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held from 3 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at H. M. Patterson & Sons – Oglethorpe. Lite bites and refreshments will be served.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the University of Alabama, Hot Tubes Development Cycling Team, Atlanta Community Food Bank or WABE.
