James (Jim) L. Barrett

I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award me on that day; and not only to me, but to all who have loved His appearing.  2 Timothy 4:7 – 8 NAS

James (Jim) L. Barrett, 60, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 8, 2024.  He passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his wife, daughters, close friends, and family.  Jim was a strong and courageous, yet humble fighter of a longtime neurological illness.     

He was born in Memphis, TN on July 6, 1963, to Gene and Louise Barrett.  He was the youngest of two children, with one sister, Jeannine Barrett of Brandon.  Jim was a Brandon Academy graduate in 1981 and Hinds Community College in 1983.  Jim worked for Equipment, Inc. for 25 years and held numerous positions.  He had a magnetic personality, combined with an amazing determination that helped him have a successful career.  He started the After-Market and the Battery Sales Departments.  In addition, he was a Territory Sales Manager, the Bobcat Sales Specialist and the Branch Manager for the Hattiesburg location.      

He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Brandon where he held several leadership positions prior to being diagnosed with his illness.  He was ordained a Deacon at Park Place Baptist Church.   Jim was faithful for many years singing in choirs, being on praise teams and singing specials.  He was a faithful participant in Monday night visitations.  It was important to him to help visitors find their church home and get them plugged into a ministry opportunity.  Samaritan’s Purse was another ministry Jim volunteered with using his heavy weight equipment skills when there was a natural disaster in a nearby area.  He was always looking for ways to serve.  Therefore, when moving back to Brandon in 2020, Jim said without hesitation that he believed God was calling us back to Grace Baptist.  Jim loved God with all his heart and soul.  He loved his church and his church family.       

Jim was a devoted husband, loving father and proud Papa.  He and his wife’s love story began during an innocent Christmas Eve night looking at lights.  They were married 25 years.  Friends and family would often describe Jim as a very humble man that loved Jesus, a very sacrificial and joyful person, a man with great wisdom and a servant of God.  His family felt his love and support in their endeavors.  Jim and his sister Jeannine spent many years competing on the local, state, and national levels rodeo circuit in barrel racing.  Both won numerous awards.  Jim was an avid sportsman that loved being outdoors.  He built two kayaks out of thin mahogany strips of wood, which took months of building and shaping to perfection.  His woodworking skills were impeccable.  Both of his grandfathers instilled in him a love of fishing.  He won many awards in tournaments and once was nationally acclaimed and ranked with Bass Masters.  He was a charter member of Pearl River Bass Club.  He enjoyed teaching his nephew, Michael, the fine art of competitive fishing.  He also enjoyed spending time hunting and watching football with his lifelong friend, Neal.  He loved having a great time with his family and friends.    

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Louise Barrett.  He is survived by wife Cindy Young Barrett of Brandon, daughter Jessica Spears of Brandon, granddaughter Allie Spears of Brandon, Fai Hauptman (Tahoma) of New York that he considered to be his adopted daughter in every way, sister Jeannine Barrett of Brandon, father and mother-in-law, Fred and Sharon Young of Pearl, sister and brother-in-law, Sonya and Thomas Ezell of Brandon, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.   

Without question, Jim heard, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”  He is now enjoying his “first day of forever” in his perfect body.  It has been an honor and privilege for God to choose me to be your wife of 25 years.  Until I see you again, I will love you forever and always.  All my love, Cindy. 

Visitation will be held at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 12pm until 2pm followed by funeral service in the chapel at 2:00pm. Graveside services will be held immediately following the service at First Baptist Church of Fannin.