BARNETT, James T.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 04/07/2006 James T. Barnett died March 22, 2006 near Vernon. He was 84 years old. He was born in San Francisco, Calif. May 22, 1921 to Lynn and Ruth Barnett. As a young man he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps prior to enlisting in the Army during World War II. He was a member of the famous 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment "Band of Brothers" of the 101st Airborne Division. He made two combat jumps and was awarded three Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star for his service in WWII. After being severely wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, he was sent to a hospital in Modesto, Calif., where he met and married the girl of his dreams, Shirley Sanborn, an Army nurse. After the war, he lived in Southern Calif., and worked in construction. He then started and successfully operated an automotive business. In 1977, he moved to Truckee, Calif. Where he built his own residence and worked as a finish carpenter and a stone mason. He later resided in Minden and Reno, Nevada. Jim lived a modest and unselfish life. He was devoted to his family and friends and was a model of honesty and courage. He loved any activity that included his family and the outdoors - camping, hunting and fishing. He dearly loved his country and was always proud of the family members who served and continue to serve in the military. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Jeanne. He is survived by his three children, James Barnett, Jr. of Snead Island, Fla., Daniel Barnett of Reno, Nev. and Anne "Cathy" Bentley of Vernon. Jim lived his final three years near Vernon with his daughter and later with the wonderful and loving staff of Bannon Springs Ranch. Until the end Jim retained his marvelous sense of humor, and love of God, family and country. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. James and his wife, Shirely, truly members of the "greatest generation" will be interred at the National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Memorial and funeral services will be private.