James Roger Barnette of Shelby, NC passed away peacefully early in the morning of June 27, 2022, one day shy of his 80th birthday. Jim courageously battled multiple health ailments in recent years and is now at peace.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon Barnette, and their three children and eight grandchildren. They are: daughter Sherry Grenier of Shelby, NC, her husband Chris, and children Tyler, Victoria, and Matthew; son Roger Barnette of Atlanta, GA, his wife Christina, and children Nathan, Thomas, and Kate; and daughter Paige Stock of Concord, NC, her husband Alex, and daughters Laney and Finley. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Hudson Stock.

Jim was born on June 28, 1942 in Winder, GA, the youngest of eight siblings. He graduated from Barnwell High School in South Carolina, where he met his lifelong best friends Bill Smith and Ted Mayo. Jim received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina in 1964. He married the love of his life and started his career in manufacturing management in the summer of 1965, working as an Industrial Manager at Sunbeam corporation in Denmark, SC. Jim's work ethic and natural leadership abilities led him to larger roles and responsibilities, eventually managing thousands of employees globally for different corporations. Jim's career led him, Sharon and family to live in Mount Airy, NC, Southern Pines, NC, Wilmington, NC, Pittsford, NY, and Chattanooga, TN. In 1994 Jim and Sharon found their adopted home of Shelby, NC when Jim led ABB Combustion Engineering in Kings Mountain, NC. They have resided happily in Shelby ever since.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Jim was very active in the Shelby and Cleveland County community. He was President of the Cleveland County Executive Roundtable, on the Boards of Directors of the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce, the Cleveland County Art Council, the Cleveland County United Way, Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity, and the Cleveland County Board of Adjustment. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the Western NC Manufacturing Association.

Jim and Sharon joined Aldersgate United Methodist Church in 1994. The church has been paramount in their lives as they have been active members and contributors to the Aldersgate community for 28 years.

Jim will be remembered for his love of family and friends, sense of humor, passion for the South Carolina Gamecocks, business leadership and work ethic. He touched the lives of so many and is missed beyond measure by his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity or Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Shelby, NC.

A memorial service will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 2pm on Saturday, July 23, 2022, with Rev. Randy Blanton offering words of encouragement for those in attendance.

Online condolences may be offered at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.