John Charles Barnes

John Charles Barnes of Hamilton, Montana passed away on January 13, 2024 surrounded by family, friends and his very best friend Justice, his English Cream Retriever. John was born on February 25, 1942 in San Fernando California.

John’s early years were spent in San Fernando Valley where he joined the Air National Guard, which he attended with Sam Elliot, yes we have photos to prove that. His goal was to be a fireman for LA City Fire Dept and he started that journey in 1959 when he was hired on for LA County Fire. In 1963 he was hired full time for LA City. He retired after 16 years of service due to a back injury in 1978.

John met his wife of 55+ years, Carol Hand Barnes in 1963. Both graduating from San Fernando High School without knowing each other. John and Carol had many special bonds but being born on the same night, same year at the same hospital was one tale often told. They argued about who was older, but it was only of matter of minutes.

After John’s retirement from LAFD he moved his family to Montana to start a new life. Over the years he had many different jobs, from driving school bus for Victor Schools, installing satellite tv dishes for Ghostfighters, refereeing basketball, umpiring baseball and softball. In 2000, John became a reserve deputy for Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, going full time in 2004. John attended the Montana Law Enforcement Academy class #58 where he won several awards including the Williams Award and the Jimmy Kaaro Memorial Award. One of John’s proudest moments was pinning his badge number 13-21 on his grandson who has followed in his footsteps.

John enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding horseback and in his later years riding his side by side in the mountains of Montana. He was known for his story telling and always quick with a joke to share.

John was proceeded in death by his father Frank Barnes, mother Audrey McCreedy Barnes, wife Carol, survived by his children Rick, Steve (Maria), Tim (Jen), Tami and his lovely grandchildren.

Please come celebrate his life on July 27, 2024 at the Search and Rescue Building at 2029 N 1st St, Hamilton MT between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.