Hurricane, Utah - James LeRoy Barney, 71, returned home to his Heavenly Father December 23, 2012. He was born June 8, 1941 in Kimberly, Nevada to Irvin Higgins and Lula Morgan Barney.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Jim grew up in Virgin, Utah with four brothers and one sister. He graduated from Hurricane High School, where he was actively involved in sports.

He married his High School sweetheart, LaRene Heaton, November 12, 1960. They were blessed with 6 beautiful children.

Jim worked as a Construction superintendant until retiring in 2008. He loved the outdoors, hunting with his boys, taking road trips with his sweetheart and spending time with his family. In his retirement, he especially enjoyed wood working, creating a project for each of his children and grandchildren to remember him by. He also spent much of his time restoring a 1950 Willy's jeep with his son Darren.

He has been a loving husband, a wonderful father and the greatest grandpa, saying his "Family is his JOY!" He has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

He is survived by his wife LaRene; children: Diane (Brad) Holt, David (Lynette) Barney, Kevin Barney, Darren (Bridgette) Barney, Tana (Wayde) Austad, and Tricia (Darren) Bradshaw; 23 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; brothers: Earl (Gloria) Barney, Dan (Lavon) Barney, Darryl (Wendy) Barney, Larry Jones; and sister, Maureen Barney Capello He is preceded in death by his parents and grandson Tanner James Holt.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 2:00 p.m at the Hurricane LDS Stake Center, 677 South 700 West, Hurricane, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday evening, from 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m at the Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 140 North Main Street and Saturday, prior to services, from 12:00 p.m to 1:30 p.m. at the Stake Center. Internment will follow at the Hurricane City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Hurricane Valley Mortuary, (435) 635-9922.