In the early morning of December 9, 2013, James Barnett finished his earthly journey from Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Better known as "J.B." to family and friends, he was the first child born to Anna Bell Vealy and Nathaniel Barnett on July 3, 1948 in Yahola, Oklahoma in Muskogee County. James was raised by his later, maternal grandparents, Willie Forney Vealy and Martha Elizabeth [Haley] Vealy.

James accepted Christ early in life and later settled in Muskogee. He married Brenda Mayhue and this union produced two children. Later in life, James met his lifetime companion of 34 years, Loretta Rucker. This union produced a son.

James worked for Muskogee Housing Authority and became a member of Saint Mark Baptist Church. He was passionately known as "Lie-Anna" and "Thirsty" by his close friends. James loved to laugh and to be outdoors with family and friends at the nearby, neighborhood rodeo or just playing and watching domino games in the yard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, his step-father, Willie Underwood, two brothers, Clarence [Georgetta] and Johnny, and a sister, Brenda Kay.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his spouse, Loretta Rucker, of the home in Muskogee; two sons, Anthony and Delano [Latia]; a daughter, Mechelle [Michael] Gaulden; a step-son, Lorenzo, all of Muskogee; seven brothers, Willie Tate, Sr., Frank [Margaret] Taylor, Tracy [Tamara] Underwood, all of Muskogee, Leonard [Mary] Underwood, Haskell, Oklahoma, Raymond Underwood, San Jose, California, Edwin Underwood, Carrolton, Texas, and Frederick [Florie] Underwood, Allen, Texas; two sisters, Melva Jo Underwood and Willie Mae Underwood, Muskogee; an Aunt, Mary E. Fennell, Muskogee; five grandchildren, Delano James Barnett, Jr., Daleiah D. Barnett, Mya N. Gaulden, Michael D. Gaulden, III and Michala B. Galuden; his father-in-law, Pat Rucker; a sister-in-law, Patricia Rucker; his brothers-in-law, Kenneth Rucker, Jerry [Anita] Rucker, Reverend Steve [Audrey] Rucker, Bruce [Pam] Rucker, Gary [Joanie] Rucker, Tony Rucker, Don [Annette] Cubit, and a special niece, Lisa Richardson; along with a caravan of other relatives and friends.

Service of Memory for Mr. Barnett will be on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 1:00 PM in the Saint Mark Baptist Church. Reverend Rodger Cutler, the gracious host Pastor, Officiating and Pastor Steve Rucker, Pastor of Elohim Love Center Ministries, will deliver the Eulogy.

Burial will follow in the Doyle Cemetery at Yahola, Oklahoma.

You may visit Mr. Barnett on Friday from 10 AM until 6 PM at the funeral home in Muskogee.