Dr. James “Jim” R. Barnette, age 59, a native of Louisville, KY and a resident of Birmingham, AL, passed away Monday, February 22, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Deanna Barnette; daughter, Hannah Asters (Ethan); son, Nick Barnette; granddaughter, Evie James Asters; brothers, John Barnette (Janice) and Wayne Barnette; sister, Martha Barnette (Bonnie Benitez); other relatives and friends. Barnette is an alum of Samford University and later returned in 1994 to serve as Minister to the University and in 2006 began to serve as a professor in the religion department. He coordinated Samford Sunday, a program that matches young men and women who are called to preach with Alabama Baptist churches so these ministerial students can preach from their pulpits. Barnette also oversaw the Pre-ministerial Scholars Program. While Barnette enjoyed teaching and building relationships with all of his students, the pre-ministerial scholars, or “pre-mins,” held a particularly special place in his heart. Pre-mins got to know Dr. Barnette well outside of the classroom, going on weekend retreats, having dinner at his home, and enjoying his legendary steaks. While training future ministers, Barnette served as teaching pastor at Brookwood Baptist Church in Mountain Brook from 2007 to now. There, his congregants were sometimes treated to mid-sermon juggling performances. Many young congregants lovingly referred to him as “Dr. B.” Passionate about live music, good food, and travel, he was happiest when surrounded by friends who were family and family who were friends. The family would especially like to thank friends who quickly became family, caretakers Kevin Britford and Mark Williams, as well as hospice nurse Tonia O’Daniel of Comfort Care. An intimate family graveside service will be held Friday, February 26, 2021, at 11:00 am at Montrose Cemetery. A larger memorial service will be held in Birmingham at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Dr. James Barnette Endowed Scholarship at Samford University (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/5106/donations/new?designation=drjamesbarnetteendowedscholarship& ) or Brookwood Baptist Church/Mission Funds, Mountain Brook, AL (https://brookwood.org/give/ ).
ARRANGEMENTS BY
WOLFE-BAYVIEW
FUNERAL HOMES
& CREMATORY, INC.
19698 GREENO RD
FAIRHOPE, AL 36532
(251) 990-7775
www.wolfefuneralhomes.com
