James David Barnes

James David Barnes died on July 4, 2024, after a valiant and hard fought battle with cancer. James was born on May 20, 1951 in Salt Lake City, UT to Norman Clyde Barnes and Jacqueline Sarah Stapley. He married the love of his life, Martha Livingston, on June 20, 1975. He is survived by his wife and three sons David (Stephanie), Layton, UT; Ryan (Charity), West Jordan, UT; and Justin (Alisha), Plain City, UT; 9 grandchildren; and siblings Donna Lloyd (Hamilton, TX), Dennis Barnes (Hamilton, TX), Kerry Barnes (Cransfill Gap, TX), Roger Barnes (Hamilton, TX), Robby Barnes (Cransfill Gap, TX) and Tammie Barnes (Leavenworth, KS). He was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings: Sandra Bell, Steven Barnes, Jacqueline Barnes, Johnny Barnes, and Joseph Barnes. 

James loved baseball, rodeo, old western movies, good food, and spending time with friends and family. He served in the US Army in the infantry and signal corps. He worked for decades as a skilled machinist. Because of his talent and experience, he was often given the most complex and challenging workload. James was intelligent could often solve geometric or trigonometric problems in his head without a calculator or any formal academic training. As technology evolved, he learned to write and edit the computer programs that ran his machines (something he was very proud of). 

His life’s work, gift, and lasting legacy to his family was providing them with a better life than he was afforded. He worked so hard for so long to ensure his boys had opportunities in life not available to him, especially higher education. 

James was a religious man and devout follower of Jesus Christ. He came to know Jesus and did his best to emulate Christ’s example and teachings. James tried to help anyone he could. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served twice as bishop of the Jordan Oaks Third Ward in West Jordan, Utah. James also served as a stake missionary, elders quorum president, high priest group leader, counselor in the bishopric, and stake high councilor. His testimony of Christ and His restored church was immovable and sure, a lasting treasure that he often shared with his family.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, 11:00 am at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 South and 700 East, Draper. Friends and family are invited to a viewing that morning 9:30-10:45 am at the same address. Interment: Bluffdale City Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed on the Anderson & Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Anderson-Goff-Mortuary-293949407707203/  

(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)