James Stephen Barrington

James Stephen Barrington, 68, of Canyon, Texas, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, September 24, 2021. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon, Texas. The family will be greeting friends and relatives from 6-8 p.m.

James was born on October 8, 1952 in Center, TX to Martin and Olive Reed Barrington.

He grew up in Linden, Texas, and graduated from Linden-Kildare High School in Linden, Texas in 1971. After high school, he attended East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas where he received his bachelor's degree in political science and history, followed by his master's degree in public administration. James worked for most of his professional life as a City/Town manager. He served as City Manager in Iowa Park, Texas from 1981-1991. He then moved to Neptune Beach, Florida where he served as City Manager from 1991-1996. Finally, he served as Town Manager in Hampton, New Hampshire from 1996-2006 where he retired from public administration. After retiring from life as a public servant, James came back to Texas and settled in Canyon in 2006. While in Canyon, he pursued his love of photography and the community by working for The Canyon News as managing editor from 2009-2015.

James married Darlene Panter in 1973 in Commerce, Texas. They were happily married for 48 years. James loved people and serving others. Throughout his adult life, he was a faithful servant of God, and an active member of the Rotary Club. James attended University Church of Christ in Canyon, Texas from the time he moved in 2006 until his passing. He served as an elder in the congregation from 2015-2021, and he took great joy in the relationships that he formed with his church family.

He enjoyed taking photographs, writing, and spending time in nature. But his true passion was being with his family, especially his grandchildren. His community involvement and exceptional work ethic earned him numerous accolades and awards from the time he was in school through his professional and retired life.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Olive Barrington.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Barrington of Canyon, Texas; his daughters, Karlee Wells and husband Keith of Kennebunk, Maine, and Cari Thompson and husband Rob of Canyon, Texas; his brother, Ron Barrington and wife Pat of Cleveland, Texas; and his grandchildren, Robby Thompson of Lubbock, Texas, Haley Wells of West Rutland, Vermont, Aryauna Thompson of Canyon, Texas, Hunter Wells of Rochester, New York, Haydn Wells of Kennebunk, Maine, and Kaelynn Thompson of Canyon, Texas.