James Edwin Barnett

On Friday, March 26, 2021, James E. Barnett, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at the age of 84. Ed was born on January 11, 1937 in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, and his family moved to Kansas City, Missouri when he was three years old. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1955.

On January 27, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith Ann Hamline, and they had three children together.

His career with the Independence Police Department began in 1962. During his 32 years of service, he advanced from dispatcher to captain. Over the years, he also served at different times as polygraph examiner, detective and coroner for the city of Independence.

He loved spending time with his family and thanked God daily for the blessings in his life. Besides his family, he also loved his labs and all wildlife.

He was known for his quick wit and lively story telling. He enjoyed fishing and traveling. His favorite place was Colorado and he loved being in the mountains, traveling the backroads and watching for wildlife. He especially enjoyed watching the elk and could sit and watch them for hours.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents Virgil and Winnie Barnett and sister Geneva Hamline. He is survived by his wife Judy A. Barnett of 64 years, his children Pam Hicks (Reggie) of Columbia, MO; Scott Barnett (Tina) of Grain Valley, MO; and Lisa Holden (Jeff) of Blue Springs, MO. He has eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133, at 11am, Friday, April 9, 2021.