James E. Barnes

James E. Barnes, P.E., of Sevierville, passed away at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital on July 7, 2026, after a brief but fierce fight with cancer. He grew up in Blountville, Tennessee, graduated with a degree in Drafting from Hiawassee College, and worked as a draftsman for the City of Knoxville, Tennessee. With the support of his wife, he went back to school at the University of Tennessee and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and qualified as a professional civil engineer. He was steadfastly honest, viewed the world with quiet dignity, and always dealt with others with integrity. He was devoted to his wife and family. He loved the outdoors, tinkering with projects, photography, and any movie starring John Wayne. Jim was known to his friends and family as a mischievous jokester. Many a gift was a brilliant pun to the delight of those who witnessed the opening.

He was preceded in death by his parents James A. Barnes and Dorothy W. Barnes, as well as many cousins and extended family. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janice C. Barnes; his children, James E. Barnes (Abbey), Christopher J. Barnes (Michelle), Gina Lynette (Ned Andrew Solomon) and Carol A. Hickman (James); grandchildren, Lauren Barnes, Aidan Barnes, Bernard Lynette, Gillian Lynette, Skye Weissend (Phillip, Samuel and Theodore), Lizzy Solomon, G. Afton Hickman and Tyne A. Hickman; his great-grandbabies, Phillip, Sam and Theo; his brother, J. Michael Barnes; nephews, Joey Barnes and Zachary Barnes; great-nephew Westin; and many friends and respected colleagues.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Cedar Street Methodist Church, 214 Cedar Street, Sevierville, Tennessee, with a short service to follow.  The graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the Garden of Devotion located at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Blountville, Tennessee. 

In lieu of flowers, he wished to have donations made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105 or at www.stjude.org.

Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of James E. Barnes