John J. Barnes III

John (Jack) was born on March 3, 1924 to parents John Jr and Elsa Barnes of Washington D.C. One day after graduating from McKinley High School, he was immediately inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces in 1943. Army PFC Barnes participated in the Normandy Invasion and served in France, Belgium and Germany. While transporting troops, his truck rolled off an embankment. Jack was severely injured and was returned to the States where he received his honorable discharge in 1945.

In 1946, he met Shirley and they wed in 1947, going on to have four children; Jan, Christine, Jacqueline and Thomas, whom he loved dearly.

While his full-time job was as a transmission mechanic, Jack was most proud of his lifelong service to the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department that began in 1954. His favorite pastimes included watching the Washington Redskins and his passion for model trains. He was an active member of the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders until two weeks before his passing. Jack would certainly want to give a farewell salute to his best friend for life, 95 year old Danny Stretmater, currently of Denver, CO.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years Shirley (Buysman) Barnes and daughter Christine Valentin of Richmond, VA; his brothers Larry and Roscoe and sister Connie (Fisk).

He is survived by his son, Jan Christian Barnes (Gertrude) of Myrtle Beach, SC, daughter Jacqueline Barnes Ottey (Dennis) of Frederick, MD and Thomas Lawrence Barnes (Loreli) of Culpeper, VA, son-in-law, Kenny Valentin of Chesterfield, VA and his seven grandchildren; Lesa Valentin, Miguel Valentin, Lauren Barnes, Allison Isett, Joseph Ottey, Lindsay Barnes, Tara Barnes and eight great grandchildren; Maximus, Donovan, Thomas, Gabe, Claire, Gianna, Johanna and Tate.

A viewing for Jack will be held on Sunday, January 26 from 7-9 PM at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad Street in Falls Church. A funeral service will be held the following day, Monday, January 27 at 10 AM at Lutheran Redeemer Church, 1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA. There will be a brief celebration following the service at the church. The family will depart to Culpeper National Cemetery 501 East Chandler Street, Culpeper, VA for a 2:00pm interment with military honors.