Millinocket, Maine - James R. Barnes Jr., 78, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 30, 1946, in Bangor, Maine, the son of James Barnes Sr. and Alberta (Trafton) Barnes.

Jim grew up in Millinocket and graduated from Stearns High School in 1965. He was a proud member of the Drum and Bugle Corps. He played multiple sports in high school, excelled in basketball, and was a proud 1963 New England Championship team member. In August 2019, he was inducted into the New England and the State of Maine Basketball Hall of Fame.

Jim served in the Army from 1968 to 1971, receiving a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He worked for many years at the Great Northern Paper Company. After retirement, he pursued his love for the outdoors as an avid kayaker and white-water raft guide for the Kennebec and Penobscot Rivers. He also shared his passions with others, coaching youth hockey and little pro basketball.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Deborah (Fish) Barnes. He has two sons, Christopher Barnes and his wife, Brenda, and Brian Barnes and his wife, Amy. He is also survived by his brother, Terry Barnes and his wife, Deborah; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one nephew.

A service honoring Jim's life will be held at 11 a.m. May 23, 2025, at First Congregational Church, 274 Katahdin Ave., Millinocket, ME, with minister Terry Given, burial and luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to House in the Woods in Lee, Maine, and Honor Flight Maine.