James Leroy Barnes, age 89, passed away peacefully at home of natural causes in the early morning hours of Good Friday, March 29th, 2024. He was born November 3, 1934 in Miles City, MT, to John and Helen Barnes (Sindelar) of Cohagen, MT. He was raised on the family ranch that his grandparents, Joseph and Annie Barnes, homesteaded on NE of Cohagen in 1911. He attended various country schools and finished his elementary schooling in Cohagen. Since the Cohagen High School was closed by then, he finished out his high school years in Jordan, graduating in 1953. In 1953 he enrolled at University of Montana in Missoula for one year.
Jim was inducted into the US Army Reserves December 20, 1957, at Ft. Ord, CA, and after 7 weeks of basic training, he was transferred to Ft. Bliss, TX, then after 6 months active duty he went into the MT National Guard where he was honorably discharged on December 1, 1963.
Jim worked for different ranchers in the area, most notably for three different Pluhar families. He worked for his Uncle Herb Zook hauling hay and feed. He worked for Lee Rhea at the Mill Iron Ranch. In 1961 he began his professional career as a trapper for the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, retiring with the US Dept. of Argiculture – APHIS – Animal Damage Control after 31 years. He spent the last seven years of his career working in the Carson, ND area and moved back to Miles City in 1992. After retiring, he worked for the McRae Ranch north of Miles City, and then started a new career at Steadman’s Hardware.
On June 8th, 1963 he married Ardell Howard and to this union were born their son Tracy J in 1964 and daughter Melanee in 1965. Ardell passed away on January 26, 1971. Jim then married Darleen Cline (Johnson) on November 13, 1971. Her son Tracy L Cline also joined the family. Then in 1972 their son Kerby was born. Darleen passed away in 2001.
He enjoyed anything to do with horses and cows, having owned several horses over the years and running a small herd of cattle with the –NS brand on his land adjacent to his Dad’s ranch at Cohagen. He loved to dance and play cards with all of his friends and family. He belonged to the Busy Bee square dancing club attending dances all around eastern Montana. He also loved bowling, playing on several leagues in Miles City and Carson, ND. Playing horse shoes, working crossword puzzles and reading about local history were some his other favorite pastimes. He was a lifetime member of the NRA, and the Eagles Club. He was also a member of the Range Rides Club and served on the board of the Senior Citizens organization.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Allen and Bob, wives Ardell and Darleen, and special friend Margaret Sherman.
Jim is survived by his fiancé, Helen Martin, his children, son Tracy J (Kathy) of Miles City, daughter Melanee Lewis (David) of Fergus Falls, MN, son Kerby of Billings, MT., stepson Tracy L Cline, a sister Kay Collins (Jerry) of Cohagen, MT., eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Karen Barnes of Jordan, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 10:00 am at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
Interment will be at the family plot in Cohagen, MT immediately following the luncheon at The Parlor.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Range Riders Museum, Bunny Miller, Curator, 435 L P Anderson Rd, Miles City, MT 59301 or to the Custer County Food Bank, 13 N 8th, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday April 3, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Thursday April 4, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday April 4, 2024
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday April 3, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Thursday April 4, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Service
Thursday April 4, 2024
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Jim and Annalise Willson says
Tracy and Kathy we are so sorry to hear about Jim. What a wonderful man. We have known the Barnes family for ever. Jim always had a smile and kind word to say. Jim trapped a lot of coyotes for my dad and also when I was on the L O Ranch he always came when we needed him for Coyote control. Thank you for your years of helping the Sheepmen/ and Women Survive as long as they were able. REST IN PEACE JIM.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Chris Gierke says
My condolences to the Barnes family,
I worked with Jim for many years at Ace Hardware & he was such a kind, polite & helpful man. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Rest in peace Jim
Stabler Hazel says
To all of Jim’s family. I so sorry for your loss. Jim was a schoolmate of mine at Cohagen. He always had a sense of humor. He will be missed.
Lori Nicks says
Melanee, Tracy and Kirby, so very sorry for your loss. Jim was one of a kind, I am grateful to have known your Father. It is rare to know someone who was so kind and loved his family and had a wonderful laugh. Hugs to you all.
Peggi says
Gentleman Jim…we will be missing your laugh and kindness
Sharon Volkman says
Jim was always fun to dance with. I probably met him when I purchased a new hot water heater. A long time ago.
Faye Woods says
Jim was married to my oldest sister many years ago. We always thought he was the nicest and most handsome man, reference to Matt Dillon from Gunsmoke. He was always my favorite brother-in-law. My thoughts and prayers are with Melanee, Tracy and Kirby and their families. He lived a long life and will be sorely missed by everyone.
Bev Harbaugh says
So very sorry to hear this. Jim was always so good to be around. God be with all of you.
Dorthy M (Cozzens) Ley says
So sorry I will not make it home from Yuma AZ in time to make his funeral. I grew up neighboring ranches to the Barnes family & I dearly love Jim. He was my friend and tried to call him every year on his Birthday. I will miss you my Dear friend & so enjoyed playing cards with you. You taught me how to play hearts & crib, which I loved playing with your Dad, I loved dancing with you & I will miss seeing your handsome smile & sure hope to see you on the other side, until then Hugs my friend and will love you forever. Love Dorthy
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
James L. Arneson says
I always enjoyed seeing Jim and visiting about coyote trapping. What a kind and gentle man, he will be missed by many. May God comfort you with the best of memories now and always.
Irene Trogden says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Lynn and Judy Strobel says
We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was always so helpful when he was at ACE and we enjoyed the time that he square danced with our group. He was a really nice man. May your memories and God’s love carry you through these tough times.
Junita Drange says
Thinking of you, Kerby and family; rest in peace, Jim.
John L. Moore says
Such a great guy. My condolences.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Tracy, Kathy and families,
So sorry for the loss of your dad and grandpa. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Helen and all of Jim’s family & friends,
I am so very saddened by the passing of Jim, a real gentleman. He was so kind whenever I had a chance to really visit with him at the Sr Meals or other places. My sincere sympathy to all.
Sherman siblings says
To all of Jim’s family,
We are so blessed to have had Jim in our lives. As many have said, what a gentleman and genuinely nice man.
He and our mother spent many good times together through many years. We are so thankful to him. We are so sorry to see he has passed. The Sherman siblings.
Tama and Marc Lutsko says
Melanee, Tracy, Kerby and all the Barnes family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. As all of these tributes show, he was such a special person, so quick with a smile and to share a story; truly someone easy to be around. When I lived in Wolf Point, many of the folks I met south of the river in McCone County had stories of Jim that they shared with me about his government trapping days. I was always proud to say that I knew Jim. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Family, What a nice man. I’ve played music for many years and he was fun to watch dance, such rhythm and grace. He will be missed.
Shannon Holmen says
He was always so cheerful, I enjoyed being around Jim. So sorry to his family.
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Jim.
Jody Fiechtner says
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Worked with Jim at Steadman’s Ace Hardware and truly a nice man and a big heart. Cherish your memories of him close to your heart. Prayers and thoughts to the family!
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Barnes family you are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. JIm was an individual who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in his company. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of pleasant memories I had with Jim and family. Jim god bless you in heaven. I’m so sorry to see all of you leave us. My thoughts and prayers to all of you as you go through this very difficult period of loss and mourning. May God, bring you comfort and fill you with peace.
John and Penny Shevlin says
RIP Jim, we remember the great times we had bowling at the Red Rock.
Carter Niemeyer says
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I met Jim in Miles City and helped him skin coyotes when we first got acquainted – eventually I’m a younger generation of government trapper that went to work for the same outfit in Montana. He was a kind and thoughtful person to get to know, easy going, and someone I have never forgotten over the years. I lost track of Jim and wondered where he was these last few years. As everyone who knew him knows well, Jim Barnes was a one-of-a-kind person born, raised and working in an era that has faded over time. I’m honored to have crossed trails and shared stories and card games especially at past trapper’s conferences in Montana. RIP Jim.