James Barnhill

Jim Barnhill was born Oct 6, 1924 in Defiance Ohio. In 1942, he graduated in the same class as his bride, Marilouise Weaner. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps.

Jim immediately applied for pilot school and was accepted. He trained in the P-40s and the Stearman. When it was time for his assignment after flight hours and aptitude tests, he was assigned to the B24 Liberator – Heavy Bomber. WWII was over just before Jim was to go overseas. Jim was given the distinguished honor to be one of the many pilots of numerous squadrons to fly over President Roosevelt’s funeral procession in Washington DC, April 1945.

On his first leave from the service Jim decided to ask the girl of his dreams out on a date. His Uncle Louys insisted that he wear his Army Air Corps uniform when he asked Marilouise out. In the numerous letters that Jim wrote his parents while he was in the service, he would always mention Marilouise, usually saying “what a grand girl she is”.

Following his separation from the service in 1945, Jim enrolled at Ohio State College in Columbus Ohio.

Jim and Marilouise married in 1947 and lived in Columbus Ohio while he finished his degree. After working for National Dairy Co in Columbus, they were transferred to Detroit Michigan for a few years. In 1956, Jim accepted a transfer, with National Dairy Co. to Denver Colorado. Jim accepted a regional manager position with Leprino Cheese of Denver in 1971. He was transferred to the Kansas City distribution center for three years. In 1974, he was promoted to Director of Marketing for Leprino Cheese and the family moved back to Colorado. They lived in Littleton in Columbine Manor for 40 years. Jim finished the latter part of his working years with Ecolab. Most of his work with Ecolab was on the west coast.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my work, retiring at 68, I continued three additional years as an independent contractor. The work was immensely challenging and interesting. The only downside was the amount of time away from family. Marilouise and I feel most fortunate that we located our home in the Manor. Over the years we have become acquainted with many of our neighbors, and we are proud to call them friends. God bless you all. “ (Jim wrote this about 20 years ago)

Jim is predeceased by wife Marilouse, and survived by his four children and three grandchildren:

Steve Barnhill- retired living in Colorado Springs with his wife Marsha.

Grandsons, Michael D., Joshua K. & James G. Barnhill

Laurie Barnhill-Pfost- retired and resides in Grand Junction with husband Allen.

Scot Barnhill- retired and resides in Grand Junction.

Martha Barnhill- retired and resides in Denver.

I lieu of flowers the family welcomes you to donate to the Denver Rescue Mission in memory of Jim Barnhill.

https://secure.denverrescuemission.org/give/355785/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=iconseptember&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4tm33rKT8wIVa2xvBB0pMgVFEAAYASAAEgKimPD_BwE#!/donation/checkout