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James Ray Barnhill. Jim died of a brain tumor on Monday, September 10, 2007 in his home with his family. He was born to J.C. and Eleanor Ray Barnhill on December 27, 1931 in Stringtown, Oklahoma. He graduated from Atoka High School where he played basketball. He had a continuing interest in athletics for the rest of his life. After one year at East Central Oklahoma State College, his Oklahoma National Guard Unit was called to serve the country in Korea. He proudly served in the US Army 45th Division from 1950 to 1952 and continued his close friendships with fellow MP Thunderbirds through the reunions held over the last 50 years. Upon his return, he attended the University of New Mexico where in 1956 he received his Bachelors Degree in Education and History. He taught, coached and officiated in the Albuquerque Public Schools at Sombra del Monte and Jackson Jr. High until in 1960 he joined his father J.C. in the new business of Barnhill Bolt. Over the years he became a fastener specialist, respected in the fastener industry, serving as a director in the Western Association of Fastener Distributors and was inducted into the International Fastener Hall of Fame in Columbus, Ohio in 1997. In 1953 he married Bobby Gwyn Taylor. They enjoyed 54 years together. He was a devoted family man, brother, friend and associate. He was a generous and kind hearted man with a very dry sense of humor. He took delight in traveling and in his hobby of tin punching clocks and night lights. Jim was much loved and appreciated and will be oh so very missed by family and friends. He will be gone from our sight but alive in our hearts and minds. Jim is survived by his wife and all of his children, including Jamie Gwyn Barnhill and Korkie Kerkin, John Robert and Shannon Barnhill and their children, Jacob and Emma Grace, Lynn Ann and Joe Wilkinson and their children, Margaret Taylor and Ava Eleanor, and Ross Ray and Connie Barnhill and their children Ryan Barnhill and Rhonda and Craig McGurn and their children, and his great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Michael and Matthew. Jim is also survived by his sister, Mary Silver and her husband Richard - travel partners on their many RV trips and cruises. Also surviving are niece Jo Ella Silver, nephew Dee Silver and wife Stephanie with their children, Jacquelyn, Clint, Sammy and Lucas and nephew James Perry Silver and wife Karla with their children, Jessie, Kala and JC. Jim was preceded in death by his parents J.C. and Eleanor. Jim was lucky and happy to have traveled to all 50 states and internationally to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, the Panama Canal, the Mediterranean, the Baltic countries, England and France. Jim was a Christian who was saved at the age of 12 and was a long time member of Highland Baptist Church. We owe a debt of gratitude for the kind care given to Jim during his illness. We appreciate Dr. Liebmann and the staff of the New Mexico Cancer Center. Special thanks to Melissa Hosey, his personal care giver, Phyllis Taylor, his nurse, Virginia and all the other folks from Heritage Hospice. Visitation will be held Friday, September 14, 2007, at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 15, 2007, 10:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, with Brother John Embery officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Pallbearers will be Ryan Barnhill, Jim Chambless, Dale Ek, Rick Eubank, Dee Silver and James Perry Silver. Honorary pallbearer will be Wes Bigney. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 629 Portales, NM 88130 or a charity of your choice in Jim's name. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333 www.frenchmortuary.com
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