Mr. James Franklin Barnes, 86, of Hildebran passed away on July 11, 2023, at his residence following a period of declining health. Mr. Barnes was born April 15, 1937, in Catawba County, a son of the late William Franklin and Hester Barbour Barnes. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in passing by his sisters, Audrey Huffman and Margie Jackson. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Thelma Jean Sawyer Barnes of the home; sister, Sue Huffman of Icard; his children, Rick and Connie of Valdese; six grandchildren, Joshua Swanson, Jonathan Swanson, David Barnes, Trent and Julie Barnes, Hannah Barnes, Paige and Jerry Grillo; great-grandchildren, Brian, Kacelynn, Jaxon, Landry, Riley, Adelynn, Lennox, Georgia, Willow, Chloe, Kimber, and Greyleigh. A funeral service will be held in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Jerry Stines and Pastor Shane Epps officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Heritage Funeral Service from 1 PM to 2 PM.  Memorials may be made to Amorem Hospice at 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.