James Leonard Barnett

James L. Barnett, 85 of la Grande, died Thursday, March 2, 2023 at local care facility.

Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Born on June 30, 1937 in Elgin, James Leonard Barnett was the son of Leonard Francis and Lela Melvina (Land ) Barnett.  After graduating from high school, Jim entered the U.S. Army.  While a patient in an Army hospital in Tacoma, Washington he was cared for by a nurse, Aldys Roberta Pfefferkuch.  Their relationship developed into a marriage on June 10, 1961 and lasted 51 years until her death in 2012.

They made their home in La Grande where Jim worked for Union Pacific Railroad.  The couple bred and raised giant, standard and miniature Schnauzers which they showed and won numerous awards.  They both showed all breeds of dogs but their Schnauzers were their favorites. At one time they were active in the La Grande Mavericks also.  After her death Jim was a regular diner at the Smokehouse Restaurant near where he lived.

Together they had two daughters who survive, Dyanna L. of Frankfort, Indiana and Tena M. Milner of Sumpter; also surviving are five grandchildren and many great grandchildren.  Jim also leaves a brother, Walter and sisters, Rosie and Mary.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son, James Jr. and siblings Joe, John, Betty, Ira and Charlie

Contributions in memory of James L. Barnett may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Association, 3112 US-30, La Grande, OR  97850.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.danielsknopp.com.

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