James (Jim) Lester Barnett

Livingston-- James ""Jim"" Lester Barnett returned to the arms of his Lord on Thursday, February 9, 2012, at the age of 75, after finally succumbing to the heart condition which had plagued him for over three decades.

Services: A celebration of Jim' life will be held at First Baptist Church Livingston on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Kevan Wood and Rev. Andrew Thompson officiating. Interment will follow later that afternoon at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Houston at 4:00 p.m. Visitation: 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20th at Cochran Funeral Home, 406 Yaupon Ave, Livingston, TX, 77351.

Memorials: The family request, in lieu of flowers, contributions are made in Jim' name to First Baptist Church of Livingston, Texas.

106 Colt Rd

Livingston, TX. 77351

936.327.4417 Office

936.327.8923 Fax

Jim was born to Dr. John Lloyd Barnett and Marie Elaine Russell Barnett in Detroit, Michigan in 1936. Jim' Father passed away from long lasting effects of mustard gas he was subjected to during WWI when Jim was but 13 years old. His mother was left to raise 3 boys. Jim survived growing up in the inner city of Detroit by holding his own on the basketball court. As a young man, he turned down an opportunity to try-out for the Detroit Tigers Baseball Team for a more stable career and guaranteed paycheck serving his country in the United States Air Force. It was in 1956, while stationed with the 703d Control & Warning Squadron (ADC) at Texarkana Air Force Station, Texarkana, Arkansas; Jim met his soul mate and love of his life, Sue Taylor of Texarkana, Texas.



Jim and Sue were married in November of 1957 in Texarkana, Texas. The couple was very active (almost a permanent fixture) in the Baptist Church in whatever area they happened to reside. Jim enjoyed being the Fast-Pitch Softball pitcher for his Air Force Units, churches and Airline. Sue gave him 3 wonderful children, Randy, Rusty and Lori during the first 10 years of their marriage.

After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the USAF, Jim had a wonderful career working and moving up in the ranks of the Airline Industry. He started as a Baggage Handler for Trans Texas Airline (TTA) in 1961 at Scholes Field, Galveston, Texas. In 1963, Jim and the family moved to Houston, Texas, because of his promotion and transferred to Houston-Hobby Airport as a Ticket Agent and Weight and Balance Specialist. Jim' desire to excel, lead him to test and pass the FAA Airline Dispatcher Certification in 1965. As TTA became Texas International Airlines, Jim enjoyed the responsibility and position as an Airline Dispatcher. Jim spoke frequently of the softball teams and friendships that were cultivated during his early career. In 1978, Jim and the family moved to Kingwood, Texas, bringing in a new group of friends and a new church home into the Barnett' life. After Texas International bought Continental Airlines, Jim and his family continued to enjoy flying around the world.

In 1983, Jim made a decision to leave the passenger carrier airline to join a young package carrier called Federal Express, in Memphis, Tennessee. Jim enjoyed being a Senior Flight Controller for FedEx dispatching aircraft throughout the world. Jim often spoke of the pride he had working for FedEx and the great friends he and Sue made in their church and in Collierville, Tennessee. Due to health issues, Jim received disability and stopped working for FedEx in 1994. Shortly after, Jim and Sue moved to their retirement home in Livingston, Texas. Jim officially retired from FedEx in 2002.

During the years, Jim somehow also found the time to be a baseball coach for his 2 boys, a champion for his daughter, a Volunteer EMT with Kingwood Ambulance Service, Captain in the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department, Reserve Constable for Harris County Precinct 4, an Actor in local playhouses and churches, as well as developing an alternate identity as Santa Claus. Jim loved his role as Santa Claus. Over the years, during the Christmas season Santa would often make visits to private homes in addition to public venues. One year he was the Santa featured in the Foley' Christmas Catalog and also enjoyed being Santa from 2000-2005 in the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade. His beloved Sue dutifully handmade his Santa suit and dressed as Mrs. Claus for many of his appearances, only after costuming and curling the hair of her Santa. He loved the children whose eyes would light up as each one whispered their Christmas wishes while sitting on Santa' lap. Jim' last appearance as Santa was December 3, 2011.

Jim' most precious love was for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They will miss his wisdom as well as his silly jokes. Jim has left behind a legacy of love, faith and friendship. One would be remiss to not mention the deep and constant love Jim had for his Savior, Jesus Christ. This was the cornerstone of his life.

The final 20 years or so of Jim' life was concentrated on enjoying his adoring wife, three thankful children, nine precious grandchildren and seven precocious great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John Lloyd Barnett and Marie Russell Barnett; brothers, Robert (Bob) Barnett and Russell (Russ) Barnett.

Survivors: Loving wife of 54 plus years, Sue Barnett; Three Children: son, HPD Sgt. Randy Barnett and his wife Paula (nee Melvin) of Houston, Texas; son, USMC LtCol. Rusty Barnett and his wife Sharon (nee Saunders) of Keller, Texas; daughter, Lori and husband Brandon Stewart of Livingston, Texas.

Nine Grandchildren: Jaime and husband Andrew Slafka; Nikki and husband Rev. Andrew Thompson; Janna and husband Jonathan Hipps; HPD Officer Josh Barnett and wife Abbey (nee Parker); Landon Stewart, Chase Barnett, Lathon Stewart, Shane Barnett, Peyton Stewart.

Seven Plus Great-Grandchildren: Carson Slafka, Laney Thompson, Keaton Slafka, Nolan Hipps, Levi Thompson, Camden Slafka, Olivia Barnett, and Baby Barnett due summer 2012. Also missing Jim will be numerous members of his extended family, church family and close friends.