James H. Barnett

James H. Barnett was born on January 19, 1948, to Jessie and Aquetis Barnett in Laurel, Mississippi. He was known as Mr. B, Bro. B, Big Papa, Papa, Uncle Barney, and Daddy and answered to the call of each of them. He was the fourth of nine children. He suddenly departed this life at home on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

James accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He has served at St. Paul M. B. Church for well over 30 years. He has worked faithfully in many areas inside and outside of the church. The Usher Board Ministry was an all-time favorite for Bro. Barnett.

James attended Roosevelt High School where he played basketball and enjoyed home economics class. He was a great cook and loved to feed everyone and see them enjoying themselves. After graduating high school, he soon moved to Joliet, IL.

James, in 1986, united in holy matrimony to Sylvia A. Barnett who he brags about being the truest love of his life. Her departure on Friday, June 15, 2018, crushed his heart, but with God on his side, he was able to live on a little while longer until God called him home.

James found ways to keep himself busy. He enjoyed yard work, playing cards and games, and hanging out with his friends and family. He also enjoyed traveling around for a good steak, or as he would call it, a nice piece of COW. He was always willing to help and come along for an enjoyable time.

James retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company after 32 years of service. He really enjoyed the last 21 years jumping to the beat of his own drum. He enjoyed hanging out with other retirees eating breakfast after dialysis three days a week.

James was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia Barnett, his parents, Jessie and Aquetis Barnett, his son Anthony Barnett, and three brothers Jessie, Ronnie, and Charles Barnett.

James is survived by his children Jerome Sullivan, Chattanooga, TN, Detra Alexander (Michael), Joliet, IL, Vanessa Barnett, Joliet, IL, and Dr. William L. Sullivan Sr. (Debra), Chattanooga, TN. His six siblings, Catherine Barnett, Laurel, MS, David Barnett, Hebron, MS, Jerlene Hudson (Frank) Chicago, IL, Rev. Marvin Barnett (Linda) Hebron, MS, Pastor Jeanetter Graham, Laurel, MS; in-laws, Loma Sullivan, Mary (Johnnie) McMillon, Joylynder Sullivan, Delores Smith, Charles Sullivan, Wayne Sullivan and John Sullivan; grandchildren, Jonathon (Marina), Joliet, IL, Janae, Joliet, IL, Shannon (Desiree), Dominique, Joliet, IL, Jacob, Chattanooga, TN, Perry, Chattanooga, TN, William Jr., Orange County, CA, Sylvia (Louis), Austin, TX, Sheila, Desoto, TX, Javohn, Joliet, IL, Anthony, Moline, IL,  Kenny, AZ, LeAnna, Joliet, IL, Darius, Jalmen, Mico, and twenty-three great-grandchildren, five God Children, Kimberly Moffett, Trina Williams, Alesha Johnson (Shaye), and Aidan Robinson all of Joliet, IL, Tameka Drake of Gulfport, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends along with his dear cousin Linda Vaughn, Temple Hills, MD.

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