James Leland Barnhart

James Leland Barnhart, 71, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023, at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kansas.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa. The family will meet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Monday, March 13, 2023, at the mortuary.

Inurnment Evergreen Mound Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas.

James was born Saturday, August 18, 1951, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Albert and Mary (Goforth) Barnhart. James, an only child, grew up on the family farm and graduated from Pomona High School in 1969. After a couple years attending Kansas State and Emporia State University, James returned to the farm where he worked and resided until his passing.

He was united in marriage with Becki Hoffman in Lawrence, Kansas on August 7, 1971. They had three sons, Scott James, Ryan Patrick, and Andrew Steven. He worked seven days a week, 365 days a year on the farm, but he always found time for family events, sports, and outings.

James was a dairy farmer until July of 1996, he raised Holstein heifers for ten years, and was a cattle rancher with his son, Scott, for sixteen years. He was proud of the cattle, enjoyed baling hay, and was a talented welder who made items that people still use to this day. James was a great neighbor who would often plow driveways, work cattle, and do silage with the Sundstrum’s. He also worked at the Franklin County Sale Barn on Saturdays for more than 25 years.

“Barney”, as most of his friends and family members called him, was very passionate about playing and coaching sports with his three sons and attended almost every single game they played. He is fondly remembered by many former Ottawa baseball players, as their coach. He was an avid hunter, especially deer and quail, with his sons and neighbors. James enjoyed pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota and many holiday gatherings with the Hoffman family. He also enjoyed spending time with his children looking at pictures and videos of the grandkids. His boisterous laugh is what many will remember the most about him.

James professed his faith in Jesus Christ in the Spring of 2003 and was baptized in 2010. He went through many trials and tribulations, including the final three years following a severe car wreck, but he remained vigilant and strong to the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary Barnhart.

James is survived by his ex-wife Becki, three sons; Scott Barnhart, Ryan Barnhart (Mary Kay), Andy Barnhart (Emily), and five grandchildren; Kate, Emery, Nolan, Caroline, and Anna.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County FFA c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.