James W. Barnes

James W. Barnes, long time resident of Geneva and St. Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 27th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born to Lydia and Virgil Barnes on April 10th, 1939 in Evansville, Indiana and grew up in Darmstadt, Indiana, a small rural town bordering Evansville.

Jim excelled in leadership at a young age and went on to graduate from North High as president of his class. He then graduated as a Certified Dental Technician from Elkhart University of Medical and Dental Technology where he met his future wife, Judy. After graduation, he joined the Army and was assigned to Fort Sam Houston, Texas in the Medical and Dental division. Judy and he were married in Texas and three years later welcomed their first son, Jeff.

After serving his Country, Jim moved his family back to Evansville where he opened his first Dental Lab. Their next two children were born there, Jill in Evansville and Joe in Princeton, Indiana. A few years later, always looking for a new experience and challenge, Jim accepted a job with a large dental supply company and moved the family to sunny California. Jim expanded business territories for the company serving 5 Western states.

In the 80's, Jim found his way back to the Midwest settling in Geneva, Illinois. Jim had a dream of dental lab ownership yet again, so Geneva Dental Lab was born. His son, Jeff joined the business soon after high school graduation and proved to a be a natural artist in the dental craft. Three generations later his son, his daughter and two grandsons continue Jim's legacy of the Geneva Dental Lab. Jeff, Owner and Senior Certified Dental Technician of Geneva Dental Lab continues to serve the Dental community in Geneva and surrounding areas.

Jim and Judy shared amazing years raising three great kids. Jim loved traveling and they explored all over the United States & Hawaii. Jim's passion was always to be on or near the water for vacation.

Houseboat trips on Lake Powell, Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake were some of Jim's favorite family trips including camping, boating, fishing and visiting national parks. Funny stories and Happy memories of Jim and our family adventures will live on and be shared for many generations to come.

For the last years of his life, Jim was able to slow down and shared his final years with his loving companion, Yvette. Jim divided his time between working part time to support the dental lab and flying off to sunny Florida or anywhere warm for some rest and relaxation. Jim liked visiting relatives and old friends and enjoyed a good meal with great company.

Jim leaves behind his 3 children, Jeff (Marsha), Jill, Joe (Cathy); his loving companion, Yvette; his ex-wife, Judy; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law; a niece; a nephew; and extended family members in Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lydia and Virgil and his brother, Vernon.

An open house Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at Geneva Dental Lab, 102 N. 4th Street, Geneva, Illinois on Saturday, September 30th, 2023 from 3pm to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in his name, to the American Heart Association at www.Heart.org. Memories and Tributes may be shared on the www.BaumanFamilyFuneralHome.com website.

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