A celebration of life for James Edward Barnes, 87, of Marshall, Texas, will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2015, at J. Weisman & Co., downtown Marshall. Mr. Barnes passed away April 29, 2015 at Good Shepherd Regional Medical Center, Marshall, Texas. James Edward Barnes was born October 9, 1927, in Marshall, Texas, to Paul Howard Barnes and Thelma Cecelia O'Connor Barnes. Mr. Barnes was a graduate of East Texas Baptist College with a degree in business. He was a retired expeditor for Eastman Kodak, Longview, Texas. Early in his career, he was with T&P Railroad in reclamation, and he spent more than 20 years working at Marshall Mill & Elevator as a sales clerk. As a former U.S. Marine during World War II, Mr. Barnes served on the USS Antietam aircraft carrier, and at the time of his death, was a proud member of the USS Antietam Association. Mr. Barnes was extremely talented and creative. During his 87 years, he especially enjoyed working with his hands - drawing, painting, woodworking and crafting. At one time, he was an active member of the Marshall Art League. During retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Bettye, in the family Airstream. Occasionally, they traveled and fellowshipped as members of the Wally Bynum East Texas Lakes Club. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, a Vintage Triumph. Mr. Barnes enjoyed outdoor activities, including fishing, golfing and hunting. During his later years, he enjoyed home gardening, feeding the neighborhood birds, and spending time with his beloved cat, Sam. A good neighbor and friend, he was known to do random acts of kindness, such as placing a neighbor's newspaper on their front door step. An intellectual and financial entrepreneur, Mr. Barnes could often be found studying at his desk, buried in the pages of The Wall Street Journal. Not overly concerned with his outward appearance, he would often be observed, out and about, in his favorite pair of pajama pants and sporting a toboggan. Although rarely seen in recent months, his smile and laughter could light up a room. Confused and consumed with managing his early stages of Alzheimer's... His thoughts and memories became reams of list, notes and daily reminders. Surviving Mr. Barnes are his wife of 68 years, Bettye Jo Holiday Barnes of Marshall; daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Jo Barnes Kastrop of Houston; brother, Thomas Joseph "T.J." Barnes & Ruth Claire of Marshall; sister, Bettye Simmons Grable & David of Scottsville; grandchildren, Lori Kastrop Pennington & Robert "Bobby" Todd of Houston, Leslie Lynn Kastrop & Kathryn "Kate" Leigh Benson of Tacoma, WA; nieces and nephews, Terri Jo Simmons of Denver, CO, Elizabeth "Beth" Cecelia Riddle & Rodney of Richmond, TX, Celia Claire Barnes of Santa Barbara, CA; and numerous cousins, extended family and friends. Preceding Mr. Barnes in death were son, Paul Edward Barnes; father, Paul Howard Barnes; mother, Thelma Cecelia Barnes; and infant brother, Paul Howard Barnes, Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Greater Dallas Chapter, 4144 North Central Expressway, Suite 750, Dallas, TX 75204.