James “Jim” William Barnett
WATERVILLE – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of James “Jim” William Barnett who died peacefully surrounded by his family, April 15, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
James was born Nov. 12, 1937 in Waterville. After graduating from North Quincy High School, James proudly enrolled in the Army to serve his country where he was stationed in Germany. James met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Liz” McNally Barnett, who he married in 1965 and they moved back to Maine to begin their life and start a family. They were blessed with three wonderful sons, James “Jay” John, Bryan Keith and Sean Patrick. James worked at the Wyandotte and Keyes Fiber as an Electrician. James also worked for the family motel “The College Inn” and later retired from Waterville Housing.
James had many hobbies. He spent his days tinkering on many projects with son, Sean, and fishing with Sean and daughter-in-law, Dawn Marie. James enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren whom he was very proud of.
James was predeceased by his parents James P. Barnett and Lilian V; George P. Barnett of Houston, Texas; brother, Paul Barnett of Brockton, Mass.
He leaves behind two sisters, Virginia “Ginny” Muir of Salem N.H., Rebecca “Becky” Tomasevich of Winslow; his sons James J. Barnett of Vassalboro, Bryan K. Barnett of Waterville, Sean P. Barnett, special daughter-in-law, Dawn Grimshaw of Waterville; his five grandchildren, Tiffany Bernatchez of Hinckley, Amanda “Barnett” McCann and her husband Nicholas McCann of Waterville, Justin Barnett of Winslow, Mariah “Barnett” Crommett and husband Jed Crommett of Winslow, and Alyssa Hallee of Illinois; his two great-granddaughters, Aria and Aubrey; and several nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to Sean for caring for his parents for many years and many health conditions. The family extends their gratitude to the staff at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer.
A celebration of life will be at the Best Western banquet hall Saturday, May 17, 11 to 2 p.m.
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