Barney Paul James Sr.'s Obituary
Barney Paul James, Sr., age 91 of Austell, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at his home with his loving family by his side.
He was born in the rural town of Hortense located in Southeastern Georgia where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for family. Barney was the son of Harvey Pascal James and Martha Blanch Clack James. He was the oldest sibling of brother, Jerry D. James “Mickey”; sister, Loretta McCravy; sister, Alice Deloris Feyaerts; and brother, Harvey Dale James. Barney moved many times within the state of Georgia before eventually settling down in Austell where he made it his home for the last 60 years.
Barney was a loving and dedicated husband of 73 years to his wife, Patricia Ann Nicholson James. Together they raised four children. He was a pillar of strength and gave his unwavering support to taking care of his wife. In his last days, his concern was not of himself but of his wife’s care.
He retired from Lockheed Aircraft Company as a manager within facility maintenance after 42 years in 1994. He was also a builder having built 25 custom homes.
Barney was an honorable man who served his country in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958 at Fort Gordon, Augusta, Georgia.
Barney was a good athlete who excelled in baseball, track and golf in his earlier years. In baseball he was known as a left-handed power-hitting pitcher/first baseman. In golf he was a low handicapper that played off -handed (right). He golfed up until a few years ago and has two hole-in-ones to his credit.
A superior craftsman, Barney loved working with his hands and took pride in his work. He was known around the craft shows and fairs for his amazing white oak split baskets and bird houses. In his later years of showing, he participated as a key contributor at the Atlanta Historical Center and the Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site.
Barney was a man of God, mentoring and teaching by example; hard work, integrity, and the love of family. He was a loyal husband, friend and good neighbor. He was known to keep an impressive garden and yard that he maintained himself up until weeks before his passing. During the summer, he would leave bags of Better Boy Tomatoes and Rattlesnake Green Beans at many neighbors’ doorstep.
Barney’s greatest joy was spending time with family especially his grandkids and great grandkids who affectionately called him “Paw Paw.” He made many cherished memories that shaped their childhood with his wisdom, warmth and those special moments that seemed ordinary at the time but would become treasured memories later. He was known for his special biscuits from scratch. He spent time on the back-porch teaching them to weave baskets. He shared his love and enthusiasm of “ball” especially the Atlanta Braves. He passed along his passion of history through his stories and field trips. He built a backyard log cabin that the grandkids help decorate and play in at Christmas. He was their “buddy” and he would let them feed his backyard feral cats. These treasured times will live in their hearts forever.
Barney was a godly man in both word and deed. His dedication to his belief provided a firm foundation and became a legacy of his character and faith. He was a member of Austell First Baptist and the facilities manager for many years. He later joined Concord Baptist Church where he was recently named as the oldest active member in the oldest church (1832) in Cobb County.
Barney James is survived by his wife Patricia Ann James; children, Barney “Skip” Paul James, Jr. and wife Donna; Jerry Alan James and wife Joy; MajGen (ret.) Bradley S. James and wife Tammy; Jennifer Ann James Shackelford and husband Dave; sister Alice Deloris Feyaerts and husband Karel; twelve grandkids and ten great grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Pascal; mother, Marth Blanch James; brother, Jerry Dale James “Mickey” and wife, Gloria; sister, Loretta McCravy and husband Richard; and brother Harvey “Dale.”
A funeral service honoring Barney’s life will be held on Saturday, June 28th 11:00am at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard Wilkins of Concord Baptist Church officiating. Internment will follow the service at Mt. Harmony Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, June 27th from 4-8pm at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home.
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