James Sterling Barnes
June 24, 1949 ~ July 29, 2017
“Life is Good”

Our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, James Sterling Barnes, passed away surrounded by his family on July 29, 2017 in SLC of pulmonary fibrosis. 

Jim was born in Ogden, Utah to Sterling W. and Thelma Barnes. He joined his sisters, Mary Ellen (Norm Tuttle) and Nancy (Bill Kelley), and was later joined by his brothers, Joseph (Donna) and Bruce (Jolynne). He was married to Billie June Douglas and they had two children, James R. and Christel Lee Barnes. In 1987, he married Deborah J. Dotseth and added another son, Donald “Jeff” Dotseth who was every bit his child as James and Christel. He always said he had three wonderful, amazing children. We also “adopted” Melanie Martinez and Alli Stacks who we consider ours too. 

His greatest joy was his grandchildren: Heather (Mike), James T., Braydon, Carli, Kyler, Keaton, Averi, David, Hannah, Devri, and Rylea; great-grandchildren; Boston, Kensli, Roston, and Rowan. He was proud of each and every one.

Jim worked at Hill Air Force Base for 43 years and loved every minute of it. He was very proud to serve his country.

His favorite place in the world was “Yellowhouse” at Flaming Gorge. He taught all the kids to fish and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. We always wanted to move there, but never did make it. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah, his children; James (Trisha), Jeff (Mardi), Christel, Alli (Payton), Melanie (Cory), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his father, Sterling W. Barnes, and all his brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, and brother and sister-in-law, Brett and Susan Conlin. He is preceded in death by his mother, Thelma, and son-in-law, Rich Thompson. 

He is also survived by his two little buddies, Daisy and Buster. He loves his fur babies. He was instrumental, along with Deborah, in the creation of The Humane Society of Northern Utah. 

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, August 5, 2017, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the LDS Ward at 3350 N 1050 E North Ogden. Our hearts are broken, but we know that we will be together again. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com