FAIRMONT — John (Jack) Robert Barnes, 89, of Fairmont, W.Va., formerly of Bridgeport, W.Va., passed away peacefully on May 19, 2016, at Fairmont Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born on December 7, 1926, in Grindstone, Pa. He was the son of William A. Barnes and Jessie Provance Barnes.
Jack will always be remembered by his giving spirit, compassion, and kindheartedness towards others. In his earlier years he worked in the family-owned coal mine in Pennsylvania. After marrying, he and his wife, Sandra, then moved to Levittown, Pa., where he worked in the steel mills and raised his four children.
He was a loving father and husband and always had time to spend time with his family, whether it would be at the beach, camping, ballfields, or backyard.
He was a member of IBEW Local 269, Trenton, N.J., and was efficient in all phases of construction where he used his abilities as a “jack of all trades” to become a private contractor. He moved to Bridgeport, W.Va. and founded J&S Builders and constructed many homes and buildings in the area. He also built, owned, and operated Star Furniture in Fairmont, W.Va.
He served as president of the Bridgeport Rotary Club, where he was very active in the “Shop for Tots” program. During this time, Jack and Sandra lost their first born son, John “Jackie” Barnes Jr. Shortly after the loss of their son, Sandra was also called home to Heaven. Jack turned to our Lord and God, Jesus Christ. He served God faithfully for the rest of his life. Being a speaker, he founded a Christian’s Men’s Group, and finally served his Lord by serving as a Missionary along with his second wife Patricia “Patti.”
Being the compassionate man that he was, he volunteered and ministered at the Soup Opera in Fairmont, W.Va. He never turned his back on those in need. He had been known to bring strangers to his home and provide them food, shelter, and the Word of God.
He, Patti, and many friends spent numerous years as missionaries, working with the Servant’s Heart Ministry in Mandeville, Jamaica. He ministered to, as well as provided food, clothing, and shelter to the people of Jamaica. Here they met and “adopted” a young Jamaican, Dameon Sherman. Along with their friends, the Bonassos, they helped raise and mentor Dameon as their beloved son.
Jack’s dearest love was Jesus Christ, his Savior. He prayed continuously for his family and friends to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Patricia (Staud; Nixon) Barnes of Fairmont, W.Va.; his son, Gary Barnes of Bridgeport, W.V.; two daughters, Cindy Hartzell and husband Randy, also of Bridgeport, W.Va., and Laura Barnes of Clarksburg, W.Va.; six grandchildren, Stephen (Kim) Barnes, Jacqueline (Alan) Robinson, Courtney Barnes, Zachary (Lara) Hartzell, Jeffrey Hartzell, and Shelby (Tre) Hartzell; five great-grandchildren, Ansleigh Barnes, Abbagayle Barnes, Killian Hartzell Bell, Layla Hartzell, and Bradley Hartzell; and a dear foster son, Dameon Sherman of Pittsburgh, Pa.
He is also survived by one brother, Albert Barnes, of Florida, one sister, Betty Obradovich, of Michigan, and countless relatives, nieces, and nephews all of whom he dearly loved and enjoyed being a part of their lives.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra and son, John (Jackie) Jr.; four brothers, Amity Barnes, William Barnes, Edward Barnes, Gerald Barnes; and one sister, Becky Blaker.
The family would like to thank Hospice for the excellent care and compassion they provided for Jack in his last days. The family would also like to honor and give thanks, in Jack’s name, to all the individuals of Fairmont Health and Rehab facility in Fairmont, W.Va., who cared so faithfully and lovingly for “John Jack” as they called him.
Even in his death, his selfless ways were displayed. He has donated his remains to the Human Gift Registry. He will be sadly missed by all who came to know him and love him.
The family will receive friends at the Fountain of Life Christian Fellowship Church, 3221 Fairmont Ave., Fairmont, W.Va., located on Route 250 in Whitehall on Saturday, May 28, 2016, from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m., with pastors Pete Staudand Brian Cole officiating. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Fountain of Life Christian Fellowship Church Outreach Center or to Marion Co. Hospice. Condolences may be sent online to the family at domicofh.com.
Domico Funeral Home, Fairmont.
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