James Barnes

James Eldon Barnes was born in Jefferson, Missouri but called Napa, California home.  He graduated from Napa High School in 1957 and Napa Junior College in 1959 before pursuing a major in physical education at San Francisco State College.  Despite his interest in physical education, Eldon found his career in the business of insurance. During his life-long career as an insurance broker he worked for various insurance groups including Hartford, Mission, and Continental before ending his career working as an independent agent. When Eldon was not selling insurance, you could often find him working on a project in the back yard, gardening, or watching football while reading the newspaper with a cat on his lap.  Eldon enjoyed two long marriages first to Earlene Stinson and second to Ashraf Kashani. He loved the Napa Valley wine country and beautiful sunsets. Eldon is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Connie and Chuck Belk, his grandkids Evan and Maya and closest friend Richard Buth.  A simple interment ceremony will be held at Tulocay Cemetary in Napa when Eldon’s ashes will be reunited with his parents Fred and Goldie Barnes.  (Date to be determined.)