James Edward Barnes, 74, of Palm Coast, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at AdventHealth Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House, Palm Coast.

James Edward Barnes began his life on March 12, 1951,  born to Earl and Alice Barnes.  He grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, as one of eight children including Claudia, Earl, Rose, William, Lionel, Philip, and Eddy.

He attended Boys High School and later earned his GED.

James' spiritual foundation was instilled by his mother, Alice. He became a member of First Baptist Church of Crown Heights and later reaffirmed his faith at Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. There, he was baptized and actively participated in the Men of Vision Missionary group, mentoring and supporting young men. He even opened his home to a young man during a difficult time.

James discovered a passion for music in the 70's. He volunteered at the Sumptner Theater in Bedford-Stuyvesant, learning soundboard operation and managing the marquee. He then became a DJ at Club Serene Skating Rink, known for his signature intro, "Brother Jimmy B on the J.0.B" and his enthusiastic pronouncement, "Barnes…..James Barnes!" In 1975, he co-founded the "FUNKWIZARDRY Mobile" disco unit with his cousin-in-law, Strafe. As DJs with a mobile sound system, they performed throughout the tristate area and beyond, in parks, dance halls, clubs, restaurants, and community centers. James' basement parties on Ryerson Street, with Renee and his sister, "Spin Freakin' Rose" Barnes, sparked this collaboration. He was a talented performer, dancer, host, and music selector, affectionately known as "the whistle man" whose timely whistle blasts energized every party. The whistle blasts in Strafe's song "Set it Off" were inspired by "Brother Jimmy B on the J.0.B." His love for music evolved into a passion for vinyl collecting, spanning various genres.  He held an extra special appreciation for the Motown sound.

ln 1984, James joined the New York Sanitation Department, where he worked until his retirement in 2006. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Palm Coast, Florida, and became a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast.

James, affectionately known as "Monk" since childhood, was a devoted family man. He cherished his family and friends, always prioritizing their needs. He was also known for his stylish attire, often sporting coordinated outfits, including Kangol hats, NY Yankee caps, Adidas track suits, NY Knicks apparel, and his signature white glasses. He was a caring and selfless man who gave without hesitation and loved without limits. Every time he was called upon, he was there.

His dedication to caregiving was evident in his support of his late mother, Allce, his late wife, Renee, and his mothers-in-law, Ardelia and Elaine Koonce….often caring for all three simultaneously.

James and Regina were married on September 30, 2023. They traveled and lived their best life together until James' transition.

James Edward Barnes' life was a testament to love, faith and devotion.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and mentor.  His memory will be cherished by his wife Regina;  son, Jermaine; daughter, Adrienne; stepson, Wayne M. Hooper, Jr,; grandson,  Bryce; brother, Earl Barnes; sister,  Rose Jamieson; mother in law, Joyce Daniel Warren; nephew,  Cory (whom he helped raise and mentored) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  His legacy of love and faith will live on in their hearts.