James Amos Barnes, Jr.
The family of James Amos Barnes, Jr., 83, of Soper, Okla., announces his passing on Oct. 14, 2026.
Born the middle son of James Amos Barnes, Sr. and Lue Dale Barnes on July 21, 1943, in Madill, Okla. Jr. struck out early as a rancher, buying 40 acres in 1961 when he was only 18. The same 40 acres he and his wife Debbie made into the place where all the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have called home. He chose his vocation at 18 and followed it through with passion and devotion 24/7 for 66 years. Steadfast, he never veered. He ranched full-time until December 2025.
Jr. raised beautiful cattle and married Debbie Beason (the love of his life) of Grant, Okla., in 1995. He worked at the Wells Lamont glove factory for 20 years and Soper Public Schools for 10 years. He also joined the National Guard in 1961 and served a short time. He was a Christian man who gave back to his community, too, often serving on livestock boards in Soper and Hugo. He helped raise money from local businesses to support 4-H and FFA children who showed livestock annually at the Choctaw County Fair.
Jr. worked hard, required the same of anyone who worked beside him, respected people, helped anyone who needed it, and had a way with the English language. His one-liners were full of humor and displayed his quick wit, keeping us all in stitches most of the time. He was oblivious to political correctness. A man of striking contrast, he had impeccable manners. He was a complicated mishmash of kindness, humor, love for being a rancher and living that lifestyle. He was patient, and he could read people in three seconds flat –– especially his children. He loved all of his family. He was predeceased by his parents: James Amos Barnes, Sr. and Lue Dale Barnes; his brothers: William Robert Barnes and Roger Dale Barnes.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Barnes; four children: Tammie Dooley and her husband, Lisa Hague and her husband, Julie Fairchild, and James Barnes and his wife; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life was held Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at Unity Baptist Church in Hugo, under the direction of Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home.
