James E Barnes

Monson-James E. Barnes, known to many as Jim, passed away on July 31, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on March 8, 1949, in Ludlow, MA, Jim led a life filled with hard work and passion for the things he loved.

Jim worked for Springfield Molders for 33 years, where he served as a warehouse supervisor, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. He proudly graduated from Monson High School and went on to join the Army National Guard, serving for six years. Jim was a very self-reliant man that would tackle just about any job himself. He was always available to help and willing to lend a hand to family, friends and even complete strangers in any way that he could. 

Jim was devoted to his family, never missing an event or milestone. Family gatherings always included tales of his childhood adventures. His family meant everything to him and he was known for his thoughtful gift giving. Jim cherished the moments spent at the beach in New Hampshire with his wife and daughters. One of his greatest joys was sitting down and savoring a fried seafood dinner while on the coast. He was also a compassionate man who loved animals, especially his feline companion, Heathcliff, who enjoyed lying on his lap while watching their nightly shows together.

As an outdoor enthusiast, Jim could often be found fishing local streams and hunting. In his later years, he discovered the joys of boating and spent many an afternoon on Big Alum with his wife, Cathie. Jim held his childhood home in Monson, affectionately known as “The Farm”, close to his heart. He spent countless hours walking the wooded trails, cutting cordwood to heat his home and performing trail maintenance so he could access them with his ATV and snowmobile, all while soaking in nature. Being at “The Farm” helped him feel connected to his beloved step-mother, Susie, who had purchased the farm after The Depression; thus starting the legacy of family land that was to be passed onto Jim and then his daughters. 

Among his many passions, Jim enjoyed turning wrenches while listening to music from the 50s and 60s, with a special love for his blue 1966 Corvette Stingray. He attended classic car shows and always dreamed of the day that his Corvette would be fully restored and he would be able to take it out for a cruise. In the spring and fall, Jim would go to the auto parts swap meets at the racetrack, always on the lookout for parts for his Corvette. During the summer, on Friday nights, Jim would often go to the stockcar races at Stafford Motor Speedway. If he was with friends, he would spring for a pit pass. If he brought his daughters, then he would sit in the stands, share french fries with them, and instill in them his love of auto racing and the appreciation of a well tuned engine.

Jim was so very much loved and will be missed beyond words by his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cathieann (Dockham) Barnes, whom he married in 1971. Jim leaves behind three daughters: Heather A. Panico and her husband Todd of Monson, Carrieann I. Kumor of Ellington, and Jessica A. Groleau and her husband Jeremy of Monson. He was a cherished brother to Robert T.B. Barnes and sister, Judith Lusty, both of Monson. Jim adored his grandchildren—Gabrielle A. Longe, Joshua L. Rodriguez, Sebastian J. Groleau, Jack H. Kumor, Duke J. Kumor and his step-grandson, Joshua B. Panico—and was proud to be a great-grandfather to Khaiden J.P. Randall-Longe, and great step-grandfather to Maverick T. Panico and Chloe M. Panico. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, along with his lifelong friend, Bobby Coolong of Monson.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Alice (Ingraham) Barnes, and his brothers Roger W. Barnes and Theodore V. Barnes. 

Visitation will be held at Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St in Monson, MA, on August 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Jim's legacy of kindness and love will be remembered by all who knew him. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.