James Edward Barnwell

James Edward Barnwell, born on March 2, 1940, in Pryor, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in Claremore, Oklahoma, at the age of 84 after a long, happy and fulfilling life. James was known for his amazing sense of humor, his “baby blue eyes” and his unwavering dedication to his family and friends.

He attended Jay High School, where he graduated with the class of 1957, before proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962. This military service marked an important chapter in his life and shaped the values he carried with him thereafter.

He married Wanda Hamilton in January of 1962, and they raised four children together in Vinita and Jay, OK, and later divorced in 1988. He spent the remaining years of his life with his loving and long-time devoted partner Cathy Speer.

He worked his whole life, mainly as a “telephone man” for Southwestern Bell and AT&T. He later started his own successful communications business in Springdale, AR. He enjoyed working and retired several times before it finally ‘took’.

James enjoyed playing golf, running, and riding his bicycle and motorcycle. Well into his golden years, when most of his peers were settling into their rocking chairs, he was lacing up his running shoes and hitting the pavement. Well into his 80’s he ran 5ks most weekends. James took pleasure in life’s simple joys, like eating fried catfish while sipping on a cold beer. He loved to play dominos and card games like pitch, poker, and pinochle with friends and family. Above all, his greatest joy came from being “The Best Papa Ever” and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and great grandkids.

He is survived by his long-time partner Cathy Speer, his children, Edward Barnwell and wife Leann, and his two daughters Shannon Ellis and Heather Barnwell; as well as his sisters, Dora Jean West, Judy Sturges, Bobbi Whitlock, and Mary Foreman. James leaves behind a legacy of love through his 10 grandchildren: Case Barnwell, Sage Osborne, Katelyn Barnwell, Santanna Jones, Sierra Barnwell, Kelsey Barnwell, Tabius Barnwell, Jacob Ellis, Jimmi Barnwell, Jonni Barnwell, and 13 great-grandchildren.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Geneva Barnwell, and Gladys Balch; his son, Timothy Barnwell; his brother, Winfred Balch; his sister, Linda Kirby; as well as his grandson, Caleb Barnwell, and great-granddaughter, Braelyn Bible.

A graveside service will be held for James at noon on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Mose Ridge Cemetery with Pastor James Bryant officiating. To leave a message, please visit his guestbook at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.