James Darrel Barnes, 96, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023. Born in Gary, Indiana, James was a son of the late Earl and Bertha (Liggett) Barnes. James served us proudly in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Growing up James always aspired to be a farmer. His desire to be a farmer led him to earn his bachelor’s degree in agriculture engineering from Purdue University. As it turned out farming wasn’t the path for James, and he became a salesman during his working years. Following retirement, James and his wife Candace built and operated two laundromat’s called C & J’s in Ohio for 19 years. In his earlier years, James was a state champion water skier. His other hobbies included golfing, reading, and watching tv. Surviving are his wife, Candace Barnes; children, Daniel (Dawn Reese) Barnes, Ronald (Barbara) Barnes, Susan (Alex) Connett; step-son, Daniel Noethlich; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Paula Barnes. James was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Christina Harris; brother, Lawrence Barnes; and step-son, Stephen Noethlich. Service is 11 am, Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Service with calling from 10 am until the service. Burial with military honors at Marion National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Riley’s Hospital for Children or Parkview Home, Health, and Hospice.