Jeff Barnes

Jeffrey "Jeff" Edward Barnes, 53, of Wickenburg, was given an eternal birthday with the Lord on March 14, 2017 at his home surrounded by all of his loved ones. Jeff was born December 25, 1963 in Inglewood, California. He and his family moved to Wickenburg in the year of 1973 where he became an everlasting member of the Wickenburg Community. He will be greatly missed by the town of Wickenburg and his family.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Stephanie, son Zach (Erica) Barnes, daughter Courtney (Noah) Geier, son Tanner (Morgan) Barnes, and 4 loving grandchildren Avery, Jaxon, Sloan and Sawyer. Jeff is also survived by Michael Lacey, brother (Kimberly), Denise Lacey, sister, Steven Kemper, brother (Sherry), Phairat Kemper, brother (Paula), Angelica Kemper, sister, Sherry Hill-Taylor, sister-in-Law (Aaron), along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mardel Sexton, father, Harvey Kemper and by his mother, Sheri Barnes. Jeff was a very loving and gentle husband, father, Papa and a friend to all who knew him.

Although sometimes shy, as child in Wickenburg, Jeff was able to make a lot of lifetime friends. He attended Garcia Grade School, followed by Vulture Peak Junior High. After Jeff's freshman year at Wickenburg High, his family's work moved them to Honolulu, Hawaii where he attended Kaiser High School. After the one year in Hawaii, the family moved back to their beloved Wickenburg. Once again at Wickenburg High School, Jeff was heavily involved in sports, which included wrestling, football and track, earning a letterman's jacket and medals in all. He loved to work on his truck and created unforgettable memories with his friends in his free time. Between his junior and senior year in high school at the age of 17, Jeff joined the Army Reserves. He then returned to Wickenburg High School where he graduated in 1982. Upon his completion of high school, he enrolled into Advanced Military Training.

Concluding his service with the Army, Jeff returned home to Arizona. Pursuing his passion in carpentry, Jeff worked for Schuck & Son's Construction as a Foreman, followed by a Superintendent. In 1991 Jeff got his General Contractor license, which provided for his family for over 25 years. His success as a local contractor of JEB Construction, Inc. alongside his wife, Stephanie and steady crew, he left his mark on Wickenburg as well as surrounding communities. Those who had the privilege of befriending Jeff knew they had a friend they could count on. Accompanied by his no nonsense "get the job done" attitude and balanced with his quick sense of humor, Jeff was available to all to lend his helping hand. His passion for his handcrafted work paralleled his passion for poker. He enjoyed the quick whit and competitive edge playing Monday and Saturday nights and even watching tournaments on the TV. Surpassing his love for work and the game was the love he had for his family. As a husband he was a gentle partner, as a father, a giving provider, and as a papa, a nurturing inspiration leading his family by example.

With staggering strength, Jeff fought a four-year battle with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Throughout its entirety, Jeff stood on his feet participating in triathlons and speaking out in order to promote awareness towards this unforgiving disease. He would strongly encourage everyone to get regular colonoscopies and screenings, all while gently reassuring those suspecting patients to respect their intuition and pay attention to the signs their body is trying to signal.

Our loving Jeff left a lasting thumbprint on the people of Wickenburg, and with others around the world. At the request of Jeff, we will be celebrating in true Wickenburg fashion. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held in his honor on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 4:00pm until 10:00pm. It will take place at Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, 3312 Maverick Drive, Wickenburg, AZ, 85390. Hors d' oeuvres and drinks will be provided. Friends may offer online condolences at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com Arrangements under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory.