James M. Barnett, age 95 years, passed away Friday evening, November 3, 2023, at 7:45 PM at Southgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Metropolis, Illinois. Prior to his residency at Southgate, Myrl lived with his daughter and son-in-law, Deborah & Jimmy Sullins, near Vienna from January 2019 – December 2022. He was a former resident of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Myrl, as he was known to his family and friends, was born December 6, 1927 in Holcut, Tishomingo County, Mississippi to the Jesse J. Barnett and the Ruby A. Crane Barnett.
Myrl was united in marriage to Myra D. Strall on August 11, 1973. She preceded him in death on January 3, 2019.
Myrl is survived by: his son – Danny Barnett (Kathleen) of Spring Grove, IL; his daughter – Deborah Sullins (Jimmy) of Vienna, IL; grandchildren – Lisa Parker (Paul) of Fox Lake, IL, Kelley Brooks (Adam) of Cary, IL, and Samantha Duczak (Jeff) of Kenosha, WI; great grandchildren – Sydney Varner of Chicago, IL, Madeline Parker of Chicago, IL, Miles Brooks of Cary, IL, Marlow Brooks of Cary, IL, Maggie Duczak of Kenosha, WI, and Violet Duczak of Kenosha, WI; 3 sisters – Pat Pounders (Gayre), Pam Owen (Bill), and Donna Pitts (Halbert); 2 brothers-in-law – Bobby Moon (Billy Sue) and Billy Moon (Pam); 1 sister-in-law – Cheryl Shumay (Wayne) along with a host of many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
In addition to his parents and wife, Myrl was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey J. Barnett, three sisters – Dorothy Grimes, Shirley Manasco, Ann Killingsworth; a brother – Corky Barnett; and a nephew by marriage, Chad Moon.
Myrl enjoyed the great outdoors/fishing and most of all his family and the large family gatherings each year on Smith Lake. This was always a very happy time for him when everyone came together in family spirit and love.
Myrl was employed as an assembler by American Motors Corporation in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He retired from that business.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 12 Noon to 1 PM at Kilgore Green Funeral Home in Jasper, Alabama. Services will follow at 1 PM.
Pastor Andy Barnett will officiate. All relatives and friends are welcome to join the family at the eternal resting place of James “Myrl” Barnett and his beloved wife, Myra D. Barnett.
Burial will be in Walker Memory Gardens.
Serving as pallbearers: Jim Sullins, Gayre Pounders, Bill Owen, Halbert Pitts, Alan Barnett, and Jeff Duczak.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite spiritual affiliation or charity of your choice in Myrl’s memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kilgore Green Funeral Home in Jasper, Alabama.
