James Weldon Barefoot

James Weldon Barefoot, 75, of Abilene, Texas passed away Sunday May 30, 2010 in a local hospital. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Rev. David Cason will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home. Jim was born in Linden, North Carolina on May 21, 1935 to William Kirby and Bertha Barefoot. Jim graduated from Linden High School where upon he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas and served in Korea. He married Inez Row on September 7, 1956. Jim was discharged from the military in February 1959 and began his electrical career with Key City Electric Co. In 1975, he began a business partnership with Bobby Kirkland and started B&K Electric Co. In 1981, Jim established Barefoot Electric Co. that he owned and operated until March 2010. He built long lasting relationships with all of his customers and friends. His passion for his work and perfectionism made him a master of his craft. This passion was only surpassed by his dedication to and love for his family. Jim had a gift of positively affecting the lives of everyone he met. He saw the good in all people and would lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He always had a joke and a laugh. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Kirby Barefoot and his younger brother, Ottis Barefoot. He is survived by his wife Inez Barefoot, of Abilene; two brothers William Felton Barefoot and wife Virginia of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Charles Barefoot and wife Pam of Linden, North Carolina; one sister, Lottie Streeter also of Linden, North Carolina; his son James W. Barefoot, Jr. and wife Lindy; two daughters, Cindy Childers and husband Gayland, Tamara Hagler and husband John, all of Abilene. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Ashley and James Collin Barefoot, Jason and Tyler Childers, Jay McDaniel and Wesley Hagler, and many nieces and nephews. Jim will be greatly missed. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Hendrick Medical Center, Hendrick Rehabilitation Ceneter, as well as Dr. Victor Hirsch. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the donor's favorite charity.