Rev. James E. Barnes, 96, of Paris, passed away Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at his home.
Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29th at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Dr. Tommy Turner & Rev. Ken Cannon officiating. Burial will be made in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Bro. Barnes, the son of Edgar N. Barnes & Willie M. Doyle Barnes, was born May 15, 1930, in Wolfe City, TX. In 1947, he graduated from Roxton High School. He attended East Texas State University from 1948-1951, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. While at East Texas State University he was active in the BSU as well as being the first state president of BSU on college campuses. From 1951-1957, he attended Southwestern Theological Seminary earning a Bachelor of Divinity.
He married Billie Sue Broadfoot on Jan. 26, 1955, and she preceded him in death on Feb. 28, 2006.
He taught school at West Lamar starting in 1959 and retired from Chisum ISD in 1994. At Chisum he taught fourth grade and social studies in middle and high school. He started preaching in 1949 in Roxton. He pastored 11 different churches and Petty Baptist Church three different times. Bro. Barnes taught January Bible Study and Adult VBS for several years. He currently taught Sunday School and led Wednesday night services at First Baptist Church Paris. The last sermon he preached was Dec. 27, 2020, at Petty Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing and golfing for many years as well as playing 42 and 84.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Sue, his parents, E.N. & Willie Barnes, and brothers, Dale Barnes and Tommy Barnes.
Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Barnes Allen and Angie Barnes Campbell, one son, James David Barnes & wife Holly, three grandchildren, Christopher Barnes & wife Ashley, Jessica Campbell & fiancé Blake Roach, and James Dillon Campbell & wife Vanessa, two great grandchildren, Grayson Barnes and Brooklyn Barnes and one brother, Larry Barnes along with several nieces & nephews and a plethora of friends
Casket bearers will be: Gerald Whitesides, Carl Pierce, Chris Barnes, Dillon Campbell, Johnny Campbell, Blake Roach, and Grayson Barnes.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
