James "Jim" Barnes Jr.

South Hadley- James "Jimmy" Barnes Jr. passed away February 19, 2024. He was born on September 22, 1943 to the late Maude (Newell) and James Barnes Sr. Jim attended Cathedral high School and later joined the army where he served from 1961 to 1964. He was stationed in South Korea and later in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He retired from Connecticut Mutual Insurance Company after twenty years. Jim was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner who enjoyed marching for the Oriental Band. He was a member of the Springfield Photographic Society, enjoyed pool, trap shooting, ballroom dancing and cruising. He traveled extensively, including to China, and in 2014 he hiked the El Camino De Santiago in Spain. Jim enjoyed spending the winter in Florida where he enjoyed making new friends and spending time on the beach. Jim was predeceased by his only son Jimmy. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Pamela (Skiba); and her children, Joshua Skiba (Karin) Adam Skiba (Samantha), Rachel Williams (Mike), and Mariah Ritchie (Brian), who he enjoyed spending time with celebrating holidays and family gatherings; 6 grandchildren; his beloved cousins, Patricia O’Brian and Mary Byron of Plymouth, Ma. A special thank you to his best friend, Rich Holleva, for all of his help and for checking in almost daily and to Dr. Z for his visits and friendship of 40 plus years. Jim was a friend of Bill W’s for more than 40 years and wanted to share these words with all who knew him: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday February 28, 2024 at 3:00pm at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's name can be made to the American Cancer Society by visiting donate.cancer.org.