James Dayton Barnett

James Dayton Barnett, age 79 of Skanee, MI passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at his home.

He was born April 14, 1939 in Skanee, MI son of Dayton and Bertha (Wayrynen) Barnett. Jim was in the US Navy from 1956-1960 and served on the USS Forrestal. He married the former Janet Toyras on December 30, 1961 at Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee.

He worked at Selkey Fabricators and then as a millwright for Connor’s Saw Mill. Jim also drove truck for a short while. He retired from driving school bus in Arvon Twp.

Jim was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and was formerly on the Baraga County Search and Rescue team. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying riding in the woods and going to his lake property, picking blueberries, camping, fishing, canoeing. He loved to tinker in his garage and was always fixing stuff.

Jim was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Janet of Skanee; children, Cheryl (Rick Handler) Barnett of McHenry, IL, Todd (Sherry) Barnett of Merrill, WI; brother William (Theresa) Barnett of Skanee; sisters, Jean (Peter) Suomela of Aura, Miriam Paquet of L’Anse; grandchildren Heidi (Jerry) Marinich, Kyle Fish, Gary (Hallie) Fish, Christy (Eric) Colbrook, Todd Barnett Jr; 3 great grandchildren, Rylee, Darylynn, and Vera; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 12th from 10-11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee. Baraga County area veterans will conduct military rites at 11:00 a.m. under the direction of the American Legion Post 444. The funeral service will follow with Pastor Peter Suomela officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Jim’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com .