James R. Barnhart, 72, Altoona, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute. He was born Nov. 9, 1938 in Altoona, the son of Charles Austin and Ruth Briles Barnhart.

James served in the U.S. Army and then as a Petty Officer First Class in the U.S. Navy, where he later retired. He also worked in maintenance for Cobalt boats for five years.

He was a member of the Verdigris Valley Christian Fellowship in Altoona.

On March 12, 1988, he married Bernadine “Bernie” Hogan in Fredonia. She survives, at the home.

Also surviving are three children, Amos Barnhart, of Missouri, David Barnhart, Neodesha, Kathy Barks, Caney; two stepchildren, Loren Barnhart, of California, Linda Barnhart, of California; two brothers, Clyde Barnhart, Altoona, Gerald Barnhart, Independence; three sisters, Sandra Wall, Owasso, Okla., Daisy Gulick, Fredonia, Mary Bowen, Colony; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Jimmy Barnhart.

A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. today, Jan. 4 at the Verdigris Valley Christian Fellowship in Altoona. Services will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Altoona Cemetery. A memorial has been established in James’ name with the Verdigris Valley Christian Fellowship and contributions may be sent to the Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736. Words of condolence for the family may be sent to www.timmonsfuneralhome.com.