James "Russell" Barnes

He passed peacefully Wed February 12 after a long tremendous fight of CHF. His love & loyal dedication to his wife, Deborah, was the fuel that sustained him.

Russell graduated from Turkey Creek High School in 1961. Joined the Navy & served 6 + years in Cuba during the Cuban Crisis, in telecommunications & Antarctica at McMurdo Station in weather research.

His lifetime of stories are a family treasure.

He moved back to Plant City Fl, married & raised 3 sons which were his joy& utmost delight, of whom he was so proud. He coached them in Little League at Pinecrest teaching them & the team not only Baseball, but valuable lessons in life. Honesty, Integrity & Work Ethics to always strive to do your best.

Russell demonstrated his love for the Lord in his Family, Church, community, with friend & stranger, & in the work place. He was a rare man who was admired, respected & loved by many.

During the 70’s he was a NASCAR official as Chief Steward at the Auburndale track. He knew Dale Earnhardt, Bobbie Allison, & many others when they were just rookies. He even went with his family to a Daytona race on the beach sand during the early days!

He was a strong man of Faith, Dedicated family man, Loyal Husband, had exceptional work ethics, & was unwavering in Character. He definitely lived an extraordinary life.

Russell enjoyed sports, fishing, cooking, gardening & playing his bluegrass instrument the Dobro.

He owned a metal fabrication business in Polk County & Largo. He specialized in custom welding. Some cool jobs like the hanger for the Air Force B 2 Stealth bomber, parts for Medical equipment, monopole steel signs you see along the highways. His customers & family thought of him as Superman because he took complex jobs & figured out the best way to make it work.

Russell married Deborah Watkins from Lakeland in 1985. They shared love of fishing, the beach, antique cars, bluegrass music, family outings, & Bible study. They lived aboard boat & yacht. Moored at Tampa, Tierre Verde, & Crystal River. For the past 30 years they lived on the Weeki Wachee River. Lived on the water all of their 39 years together until buying a Plant City home in 2024, to be close to family & his Doctors at VA hospital.

Russell was steadfast, had an amazing calm demeanor, & was devoted, loyal & loving to his Wife, sons, grandchildren, brothers, sister, & friends.

Predeceased by oldest son James Richard Barnes.

Survived by his devoted wife Deborah Barnes.

Charles Russell Barnes, son& (wife Kristi) & grandsons Tad & Tai Barnes.

William Roger Barnes, son & (wife Tammie) & grandson Joseph Barnes & granddaughter Casey Barnes Rance. Vicky Barnes widowed daughter in law. And granddaughter Amanda Navarre. And several step grandchildren & step great grandson.

Also survived by Howard Barnes, brother; wife Irene; & Janice Martinez, sister and many Neice’s & Nephews who all adored him.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, February 17, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511, followed by a funeral service at 1:30 PM.