James Clay Barnett, age 85, passed away peacefully at the Nathan Addelson Hospice Care Facility on April 4, 2025 after a battle with cancer and related complications. James always pursued an active lifestyle. He was a world traveler, Harley Davidson biker enthusiast, Master Mason, and sports fan zealot. James was a basketball star player during high school (Salyersville High School). In high school, he was fondly dubbed as “POS” (short for possum). He later played on a company team at Inland Steel Company in East Chicago, Indiana. James worked there at Inland Steel Company for almost 40 years. Upon retirement, he alternately resided between homes in Clearwater, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada.
James was born on October 18, 1939 in Salyersville, Kentucky to his parents Ollie J. and Bonnie Dyer Barnett. When only 17 years old, James decided to leave Kentucky and pursue greater job opportunities. Those opportunities took him to Indiana, where he received numerous recognitions for his work ethics and solid employee performance. James is a Christian. He confessed to God, repented of his sins, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at his home in early 2023.
James is survived by his wife, Eden Barnett, three paternal sons (James Clay Barnett Jr., Timothy Barnett, and Paul Ray Barnett), and two paternal daughters (Rebecca Barnett and Laura Barnett). He also leaves behind 10 wonderful paternal grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. James is a stepfather to Nina Rose Belleza and Magdalena Guevarra. He was also a step-grandfather to Eden’s four grandchildren. One granddaughter, Mary Jane Belleza, resided with James and Eden for the majority of her childhood years, resulting in a strong and lasting bond between “Papa” James and Mary J.
His surviving siblings are: Sandra Lynne Russell and brother-in-law John C Russell in Palmer Lake, Colorado, and Vaughn Barnett plus sister-in-law Sun O Barnett in Peoria, Arizona. James has two deceased brothers: Homer Willis Barnett of Salyersville, Kentucky and Ronnie Morris Barnett of Rensselaer, Indiana.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by the Magoffin County Funeral Home.
www.magoffincountyfuneralhome.com
