Jack W. Barnes

“Captain” Jack W. Barnes, age 75, died, Friday, September 24, 2021 at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township NJ following a brief illness.

Born December 22, 1945 in Phillipsburg NJ, son of the late Ellsworth and Elizabeth (Laird) Barnes, Jack lived in the Milford / Holland Township area his entire life. He worked for more than 34 years for the Hunterdon Medical Center as a locksmith, eventually retiring in 2019.

A graduate of De Val Regional High School, Jack developed a life-long interest in boating and fishing, especially surf-fishing. He spent many days fishing from favorite places like Atlantic Highlands and others off the coast of New Jersey. He and his late wife, Pamella, honeymooned and often vacationed in Virginia Beach VA, they loved trips to Knoebles Amusement Resort (PA) and Seaside Heights NJ, where the two loved to take in the atmosphere and “people watch.”

Jack was a Volunteer at the Milford Fire Company, the Milford-Holland Rescue Squad, and was a member of the Garden State Underwater Recovery Unit, where he received honors for some of his heroics.

Jack’s love of boating and fishing led him to completing the course work and becoming licensed as a ship’s Captain, a nick-name soon followed, and he would be known as “Captain Jack” for the years that followed. He enjoyed taking out fishing charters for friends and others for day-trips.

Some of Jack’s other interests included being a spectator at the former Flemington Speedway, watching a game of football, a NASCAR race, or taking in a movie.

Most of all, Jack could always tell a great story. His friends and family were often entertained with an endless stream of stories and tales, most of which left his audience with a laugh and a smile. He cherished those moments and the time he could spend with his two grandchildren, Luke and Ryan.

In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his wife, Pamella J. (Riddle) Barnes in 2017, and his daughter, Carmella L. Whitworth earlier this year. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jack W. and Kathleen Barnes, II, of Bridgewater NJ, his son-in-law, Clark E. Whitworth of Glen Gardner NJ, and his two grandchildren, Luke and Ryan Barnes.

Funeral service officiated by the Rev. Christopher Small will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington NJ. Interment will follow in Milford Union Cemetery. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Jack’s name may be made to the Milford Fire Company, 21 Water Street, Milford NJ 08848.

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.