James Franklin Barnette

James "Jim" Franklin Barnette March 2, 1946 – July 27, 2026 Major General James "Jim" Franklin Barnette, a young 80, of Queenstown, Maryland, entered into eternal rest on July 27, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on March 2, 1946, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jim was the son of the late B. Alex Barnette, Sr. and Agnes Blythe Barnette. Growing up on the family farm near Huntersville, he embraced every opportunity for adventure. He loved riding his horses, cherished his cars, enjoyed taking things apart to learn how they worked, and was happiest outdoors with his hands busy building, repairing, or exploring. Those early passions grew into a lifelong love of aviation, boating, tractors, and fixing just about anything. More importantly, they reflected the curiosity, patience, capability, and generosity that became hallmarks of the man so many came to know and love. Jim was a member of Huntersville Presbyterian Church, where he first met Mildred Hope in pre-kindergarten Sunday School. Their childhood friendship blossomed into a lifelong love story. They graduated together from North Mecklenburg High School with the Class of 1964, married in 1967, and built a life together marked by unwavering love, faith, and devotion. Their classmates remained lifelong friends, and just months before his passing, they gathered once again to celebrate their 80th birthdays together—a fitting tribute to friendships and a love story that endured for a lifetime. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Western Carolina University in 1968. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He briefly worked for R.H. Bouligny, Inc. before receiving his draft notice. Choosing to answer the call to serve, he enlisted in the Air Force accepted a commission through Officer Training School in the United States Air Force in 1968 and earned his pilot wings at Reese Air Force Base, Texas. What began as a commitment to his country became a distinguished military career spanning active duty, the Air Force Reserve, and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. A command pilot with more than 18,000 flying hours, including more than 800 combat flying hours, Jim proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a Forward Air Controller flying the O-2. During ten years of active-duty service, he was stationed at Reese Air Force Base, McGuire Air Force Base, and Randolph Air Force Base, where he served as an instructor pilot at the IPIS. He later earned a Master's degree in Management from Webster University. Jim continued his service in the Air Force Reserve before serving twenty-three years in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Throughout his distinguished military career, he held positions of increasing responsibility, including Commander 146th TFS, Vice Commander of the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Chief of Staff of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and ultimately Assistant Adjutant General for Air. As Major General James F. Barnette, he was responsible for the operational readiness of one of the nation's largest Air National Guard organizations, providing leadership for more than 4,000 Airmen while advocating nationally for modernization, readiness, and the continued strength of the Total Force. Beyond his official responsibilities, he was known as a mentor and leader who invested in people, encouraged excellence, and inspired those who had the privilege of serving beside him. His exemplary military service earned numerous honors and decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters and Earl T. Ricks Award, among many others. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Hall of Fame. While serving in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Jim also began a distinguished civilian aviation career. He joined United Airlines in 1978 before transferring to USAir in 1980, where he served not only as an airline captain but also in management and leadership roles. Whether leading Airmen, flying the line, mentoring fellow pilots, or serving those around him, Jim earned the respect of colleagues through his professionalism, integrity, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He believed success was measured not only by accomplishments, but by the lives he influenced and the people he helped along the way. Above all else, Jim was a man of quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and deep humility. Though his military service and professional accomplishments earned the respect and admiration of many, those who knew him best will remember him for something far greater: the way he lived his life and the way he made others feel. At the center of his life was the love he shared with his beloved wife, Mildred Hope Barnette. Childhood friends who became high school sweethearts, they remained each other's greatest source of strength and encouragement for nearly fifty-nine years of marriage. Their enduring love was a quiet testament to commitment, partnership, and God's faithfulness. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a faithful friend, and a servant to his church and community. He believed that character was demonstrated not through words, but through actions. He was always the first to offer a helping hand, to share his knowledge, to encourage someone in need, or simply to sit beside a friend during life's difficult moments. His kindness was genuine, his generosity quiet, and his grace constant. He had a remarkable way of bringing out the best in others, giving them the confidence to believe in themselves. Flying was one of his greatest passions, and anyone who knew Jim knew just how deeply he loved airplanes. But for him, flying was never just about the aircraft—it was about sharing the skies with others. With the same calm confidence and patient spirit that defined every part of his life, he taught countless people to fly, including his son, his daughter, and later, his grandchildren. His greatest satisfaction came not from taking the controls himself, but from watching others discover the freedom, confidence, and wonder of flight. That same enthusiasm carried into every corner of his life. Whether carving a perfect slalom turn across the river on water skis, working on his tractors and his many motors, building or fixing something with his hands, or introducing someone to a new adventure, he was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. He had a remarkable gift for teaching with patience, encouraging with kindness, and making others feel capable, confident, and safe. His faith was not something he simply professed—it was something he lived. Through his church, his community, and his daily interactions, he reflected Christ's love through humility, service, compassion, and quiet generosity. He carried himself with honor in every season of life. Even during his final months, he faced each day with remarkable courage, steadfast faith, and graciousness, thinking more of the comfort of others than of himself. Jim treasured the fellowship of fellow veterans and aviators. He was a member of VFW Post 7464, American Legion Post 296, the Veterans Group of Queen Anne's County, and the Quiet Birdmen Easton Hangar, where he formed many lasting friendships and shared the camaraderie of those who understood his lifelong passion for service and flight. His greatest legacy is not found in the positions he held or the honors he received, but in the lives he shaped. He was steady in every storm, generous in every season, and strong in every circumstance. His family will forever remember the lessons he taught—not only about flying, but about living with courage, integrity, humility, faith, and love. His friends will remember his unwavering loyalty, gentle spirit, and quiet strength. He was filled with insight, laughter, kindness and joy. His church, Immanuel United Methodist, and community will remember a faithful servant who made every place he touched better simply by being there. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Dickie; his sister-in-law, Virginia; his parents-in-law, James and Myrtle Hope; his sisters-in-law, Mary Hope Farlow and Myrtle Hope Austin; and his brother-in-law, Don Austin. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mildred Hope Barnette; his daughter, Kristi Barnette Geib and her husband, Ron, and their children, Anna and Matthew; his son, James Scot Barnette and his wife, Wendy, and their children, Abbi, Luke, and Mia; his brother, B. Alex Barnette, Jr (Lillian); and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends. The lives he touched will continue to reflect the course he set—one of faith, humility, honor, and love. His family will forever look to the blue skies and remember the man who taught them not only how to fly, but how to live. Though our hearts are heavy with his absence, we rejoice in the promise that he has entered into the presence of his Savior, whom he faithfully served throughout his life. His was truly a life well lived, a race well run, and a faith well kept. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Garg and the team at Maryland Oncology Hematology for their exceptional care and compassion over the past twenty months; to Drs. Laheru and Liddell at Johns Hopkins Hospital; to Dr. Jacobs Cardiologist; to Dr. Salkeni and his team at Virginia Cancer Specialists (NEXT Oncology); to Dr. Somasundaram and his team at UNC Health, especially Kelly Hoye, for their dedication, encouragement, and research efforts; and to Compass Regional Hospice for the loving care, compassion, and support they provided during Jim's final weeks. Visitation will be Friday, August 14, 2026 from 6:00-8:00pm at Fellows, Helfenbein, & Newman Funeral Home, Chester, MD. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Grasonville, MD. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather afterward at Jim and Mildred's home to continue celebrating his life, share memories, and enjoy fellowship together. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Jim's memory to Compass Regional Hospice, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD 21617. The family also invites you to honor Jim's memory by doing something that brings your loved ones together. Take a walk, spend a day on the water, teach someone a new skill, share a meal, tell stories, or simply enjoy one another's company. He believed life's greatest moments were not found in accomplishments, but in time shared with family and friends. We hope you will celebrate his life by creating memories with those you love.

James Franklin Barnette

March 2, 1946 - July 27, 2026