James W. Barnett

James W. Barnett, 73, a long time resident of the Stillman Valley and Byron areas died after a brief illness, on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 in his Arizona residence with his wife by his side. He died peacefully, surrounded by the mountains that he loved so much. Born March 10, 1938 in Middlesboro, KY, son of Floyd and Martha Thompson Stith Barnett.Served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict.Married to Patricia Auble Ferguson. Owned Exact Machine Company, Inc for 47 years.He always believed in his company and wanted to make sure all of his employees remained employed, had a paycheck, insurance and all of the other benefits of having a job.He kept his manufacturing company going during tough times in the community and always tried to do the right thing for everyone involved. He was a member of Blackhawk Valley Region Sports Car Club of America for 42 years, driving actively for 12 years.He gave up his love of racing to concentrate on growing ExactMachine Company, and instead of racing, he became an avid NASCAR fan.Fishing was also one of his enjoyments,He attended Kishwaukee Presbyterian Church and was a member of the American Legion and VFW.Survived by his wife, Pat; son, JamesD. (Jodi) Barnett; daughter Elizabeth K. (William) Smith; stepsons, Peter (jJennifer) Ferguson and Michael (Tricia) Ferguson; stepdaughters, Tricia (Dustin) Null and Heather Nelson; grandchildren, Kimberly, Brian, Brandy, Parker, Danielle, Kendall, Tegan, Erin, Emily, Summer, Kristiani, Daniel and Brandon; sister, Brenda (Wayne) Figgins and many well loved nieces and nephews; sisterinlaw, Martha Minehart and her family; brotherinlaw,Dr. Joel Auble and special friend, Bill Blink.Predeceased by his sister, Thelma Williams, brother, Vernon Barnett and nephew, Matthew Figgins.A Memorial Service to celebrate Jim'¢s life will be held at 2 p.m.on Sunday, November 6, 2011 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.Visitation from 1 p.m. until time of the service.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Students in Manufacturing Fund, administered by WOTH/Women in Today'¢s Manufacturing, c/o Community Foundation, 946 N. Second Street, Rockford, IL 61107.