James "Jim" Robert Barnett

James Robert "Jim" Barnett passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, after a lengthy battle with glioblastoma. Jim was born in Ada, OK to Leon T. & Willie Dell (McPhetridge) Barnett. Youngest of the five siblings, he had fond memories of a childhood spent berry picking, woodworking, and being spoiled by his sisters. After graduating from Capitol Hill High School, Jim attended The University of Oklahoma, where he earned a BA in government in 1964, and then graduated from the OU College of Law in 1967. Jim then joined the U.S. Army, serving in military intelligence as a first lieutenant. He was primarily stationed in Japan, where he developed a lifelong love of travel, and he brought back many tales of off-duty adventures. Following his discharge in 1970, Jim began working for Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, where he met his wife, Diane Harn. He then served as an Assistant Attorney General 1972-1977 and as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board 1977-1991. Jim represented the State of Oklahoma in its first successful damages action for pollution of state waters and in other matters regarding Oklahoma water resources law and planning. He then spent over twenty years in private practice, most recently at Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, representing numerous municipalities and industries in environmental litigation. In 2009, Jim was a recipient of the Oklahoma Water Pioneer Award. Jim also founded and led the Environmental Federation of Oklahoma, Inc., a voice for Oklahoma industry on environmental issues. Jim enjoyed taking trips with his family on their annual Nitwit vacations, reading about current events and debating them with his children, watching old Westerns, and being outdoors. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Billie Jane Barnett and Patsy Winsor; and his brother-in-law, Ab Justice. Jim is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters, Ramey Barnett (Rhea Howard), Elizabeth LaBauve (Jeffrey LaBauve), and Alison Makipour (John Makipour); sisters, Peggy Williams (Bob Williams) and Robbie Justice; his brother-in-law, Jamie Connelly; his grandchildren, Barnett Makipour, Hugh LaBauve, and Clementine Makipour; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, at the Mayflower Congregational Church at 3901 NW 63rd Street in Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma or a charity of your choice.