Jimmy R. Barnes, Sr.

Memorial Services for Jim Barnes Sr. will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Standing Stone Bible Church in Gretna, Nebraska with Pastor Kenneth Buttermore officiating. Graveside Memorial Services will be held at a later date at the Prairie Home Cemetery, Holdrege, Nebraska.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services and Gatherings will be followed.  The family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Jim's services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.  The services will be livestreamed via the Standing Stone Bible Church Facebook Page .

Jimmy Ray Barnes Sr., 79 years of age, of Orleans, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at the CHI-Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.  Jim was born on August 1, 1941, in Brighton, Colorado, fifth of six children born to Loyd Franklin and Audrey Naomi (Flowers) Barnes.  He attended Brighton Public Schools in Brighton. Following high school, Jim enlisted in the Marines and was active from September 30, 1963 until March 29, 1968. During that time he was stationed in Hawaii.

Jim was united in marriage to Carol Jean Stiger, and to this union the couple was blessed with one child: Jimmy Ray Jr.  Carol had two daughters when they married: Pam and Patti, and Jim loved them as his own.  The family made their home in Holdrege, where Jim began his career in farming.  Jim and Carol thoroughly enjoyed music and were members and very active in the North Park Assembly of God Church. On August 17, 1982, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carol.

In 1983, he was united in marriage to Ruth Schroder Gustafson at the North Park Assembly of God Church in Holdrege.  Jim and Ruth resided in Wilcox and later moved to Orleans. He continued his career in farming as well as the couple owned and operated the Wilcox Grocery Store. Their families blended well together and Jim accepted Ruth's children as his own.  Jim always enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was well known for his music and traveled greatly to preform, including: the White House grounds, Branson, Missouri, Nashville, and several town festivals in the surrounding states. Jim recorded five albums and was inducted into the Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame. Jim was well liked in the music industry as he was such a nice guy and a great friend to all.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Carol; two brothers LeRoy Barnes and Robert Barnes; and one sister Ruby Fenton.

Jim leaves to celebrate his life; his wife Ruth Barnes of Orleans; his children: Jimmy Barnes Jr. and his wife, Alice of Gretna, Nebraska, Patti Meguire and her husband, Bill of Holdrege; and Pamela Mantich of Lincoln, Nebraska; step-children: Jim Gustafson and his wife, Jan of Kearney, Nebraska; Kim Davenport and her fiancé, Lonnie Guyton of Holdrege; Sherri Bertrand of Osborne, Kansas; 15 grandchildren: Jimmy Ray 3 ^rd and his wife Katelyn, Rhett, Chase and his wife Jessica, Chelsi and her husband Eddie, Dustin, Ryan, Jessica, Charles and his wife Cheryl, Jacob, Ethan and his wife Jessica, Brendon, Erin and her husband John, Larissa, Dakota and her husband Scott, and Kalaya and her boyfriend Tobias; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters; Louis Dyer of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Mary Jane Rosenoff of Parker, Colorado; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

There will be no visitation or viewing.  The family has honored his wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Jim's honor and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.