James R. Barnett, 79, Belfield, died Thursday, October 5, 2023 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Jim’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield with Fr. Shane Campbell as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, and will continue from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, with a rosary and vigil at 6:30 p.m.
James Raymond Barnett was born October 17, 1943 at Greybull, WY, the son of Paul and Retha (Laymon) Barnett. He was raised and educated in Greybull where he graduated from Greybull High School.
Jim worked as the school custodian following graduation before working for a service station for the next several years. He eventually purchased the station and operated it for the next 10 years. Jim moved to Montana where he met Donna. He and the love of his life Donna LeDoux were married on December 20, 1974 at Forsyth, MT. The family moved to North Dakota in 1977 where he worked in the oil field, at ESSE for 20 years, custodian at St. Bernard’s, the American Legion Hall, and they also provided foster care for nine years.
He was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6310, having been named Knight of the Year in 2000 and Family of the Year in 2012. As a Knight he enjoyed helping with fish fries, blood drives and other functions. His great joys came from spending time with his family, especially his grandkids “the apple of his eyes”, and his numerous pets.
Jim is survived by his wife, Donna; their children, Keith (Jeri) Barnett, Kevin Barnett, and Stormie (Joe) Kasian; grandchildren, Zach Barnett, Camren Kasian, Caleb Kasian and Cotia “Sis” Kasian; siblings, Bob (Carol) Barnett, Anne Barnett, Milton (Sheryl) Barnett and Martin (Lillian) Barnett; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ida Jean, Mary Anne and adopted sister Patty.
Memorials can be sent in memory of Jim to the Dickinson’s Forever Full (Pet Food Bank), or the Bismarck Cancer Center.
