On May 12th, our family suffered a loss we never imagined we would face. James Barnes, a loving, devoted father of 11 beautiful children, took his own wings far too soon. If you knew James, you knew how big his heart is. He was protective, and endlessly giving. His wife and children were his world, and he poured every ounce of himself into being their dad.

James leaves behind his wife and partner of 10 years who is now facing the unimaginable task of navigating life without him. Together they built a home, a family, and a life full of love, chaos, laughter, and memories. Now she is left to carry the weight of that life alone, including the sudden financial burden that comes with losing the person who helped hold everything together.

We are not a family that asks for help easily. But the truth is, we cannot afford the cost of James’s funeral, and the loss of his income has created a crisis no one was prepared for. His partner is doing everything she can to stay strong for their children, but she cannot do this alone. We are asking for help to give James the farewell he deserves and to support his family as they adjust to life without him.