James Carl Barnhill, who was born on June 23, 1938, passed away on September 7, 2026.

Mr. Barnhill was a retired corporal with the Paragould Police Department and an Army National Guard veteran. He was known to many as “Barney” during his years as an officer, a nickname remembered with affection because he always kept one bullet in his front pocket. He will also be remembered as a good Christian man who attended Center Hill Church of Christ, and as a devoted father, husband, and grandpa whose life was centered on those he loved.

Above all, James treasured his family. He shared 61 years of marriage with his wife, Diana Barnhill, and together they built a family that remained a lasting source of pride and joy in his life. He is survived by Diana; by his son, James Cameron Barnhill; and by his daughter, Connie Barnhill Bowden and her husband, Paul. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Dylan (Courtney), Lane, Cheyenne, Logan, Carsten, and Carleigh, as well as his great-grandchildren, Presley, Kinley, Jovie, and Ever. Their lives stand as part of the legacy he leaves behind, and his love for them will continue to be carried forward in the memories they share.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Barnhill; his mother, Lucille Barnhill; his brother, Clarence Franklin Barnhill Jr.; his niece, Sheryl LeJune; and his nephew, Clarence Franklin Barnhill III.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with military honors, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Pine Knot cemetery.

Dylan Barnhill, Kord McCormick, Chris Vick, Jeff Vick, Josh Crossno, and David Powell will serve as pallbearers.

Lavoy Sanders, Manuel Johnson, Ed Jernigan, Weldon Parkinson, and Terry Sanders will serve as honorary pallbearers.