James E. "Colonel" Barnett

James E. “Colonel” Barnett, age 60 of Williamsport, IN, passed away at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

James was born on May 23, 1961 in Fontana, CA. He was the son of Gilbert E. “Buck” and Glenda (Brady) Barnett. James previously lived in Texas and California. He later lived in Buck Creek before moving to the Attica/Williamsport Area where he lived for 14 years. In 1976 he moved back to Williamsport and had resided there since. James was a 1980 graduate of Seeger High School. He married Karla E. Walker on September 21, 1984 at Galloway Chapel and she survives.

James worked at RMC in Attica off and on in the 1970s until their closing. He worked at Harrison Steel Casting Company in Attica, IN from 1980 until 1981. In October 1981 he enlisted in the Indiana National Guard as a nuclear and chemical warfare specialist where he served for 3 years. He served in the Texas National Guard for 1 year and later the California National Guard for 3 years. James also worked at Indiana Walnut Products in Lafayette, IN, Wabash National in Lafayette, IN, Precision Plastics in Williamsport, IN, and worked for Lloyd McGowen at Accuburn and Good Roads and helped build the TMF expansion in Williamsport, IN. He worked at Purdue University since 2005 where he was in charge of the swimming pools for the swim teams.

James attended the Attica Free Methodist Church. He served at the Impact 2818 Methodist Church camp in Warren County for 21 years.  He was also a member of the American Legion Attica Post #52. James enjoyed martial arts, shooting, camping, sports, and singing.

Surviving with his wife, Karla, are,

Mother, Glenda Barnett;

3 children, Saranna Vollmer of Williamsport, IN, Benjamin Barnett (Tahessia) of Williamsport, IN, and Meriah Barnett (Gabriel Cunningham) of Williamsport, IN;

3 brothers, Mike Barnett (Michelle) of Plano, TX, Gerald Barnett (Teresa) of Williamsport, IN, and David Barnett (Linda) of Monticello, IN;

10 grandchildren, Trinity, Edward, Keifer, Grayson, James, Kevin, Lizzy, Christian, Tristian, and Ben;

Several nieces and nephews

James was preceded in death by his father and son-in-law, Isaac Vollmer.

Visitation will be held at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Friday, September 3,2021 from 5:00 p.m. until service time at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Joshua Barnett officiating. Military honors will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Foundation.