Contributions to the tribute of Johnathan Edward Barnes

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Amanda Ashley posted a condolence

Saturday, November 15, 2025

I was a classmate of Johnathon’s at Shady Spring High School. We had many classes together over three years, the most memorable being AP Biology. I hadn’t seen John since graduation but had followed him on FB. I truly cannot express how much the word of his death hit me. As members of our class began to share stories, I realized we were all mourning - not just for the tragedy that took his life, but also for a friend we finally started understanding and appreciating. John was so intelligent and a level (or several) above all of us that we truly did not appreciate him in high the way we should have. I hope he knew how much we all respected him and were incredibly proud of his accomplishments. I want his daughters to know that — we had so much respect for your dad! I am sorry I couldn’t attend his service, but please know he changed the class of 1994 in a way we are just now realizing!

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Atahan Bozdag uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

My brother Johnathan Edward Barnes was truly a remarkable man and a devoted Freemason whose wisdom, kindness, and generosity deeply inspired everyone around him. He was like a walking encyclopedia, always ready to share his vast knowledge to help others, embodying the true spirit of brotherhood and service. Jonathan had the kindest heart and never hesitated to offer support with compassion to anyone in need. He also had a passion for cigars, enjoying the simple pleasures of life and the camaraderie that came with them. His unexpected passing has left a profound void in my life, but his legacy of kindness, wisdom, and brotherhood will forever guide and inspire me and all who knew him. Farwell brother, I will miss you dearly.

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Craig Rolling posted a condolence

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Legendary. That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of Johnathan. When I arrived at the University of Chicago in 1994, I was drawn to Johnathan like so many of us were. We used to joke about his dorm room being a time-sucking vortex that was impossible to escape. Johnathan’s wit, kindness, and fun-loving nature made it that way, in addition to the legendary (there’s that word again) care packages from his mother in West Virginia. Johnathan was a friend to physicists and philosophers, nerds and cool kids, conservatives and socialists -- it was truly remarkable. Although I know he’s in a better place, I’m sad that for now I can't reminisce and joke with him about our adventures in Chicago. Only those of us who were lucky enough to be there would ever believe that it happened.

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Mike Czaplicki posted a condolence

Friday, November 7, 2025

I have a lot of good memories of John from college, but not many words right now. I did want to note that he left his mark on Mars as part of Pathfinder: "Economou, Turkevich, and College senior Jonathan Barnes, who customized the computercode used to analyze the Mars data, were among the mission scientists who signed a gold-plated plaque that will be left behind." I remember him telling a group of us about the plaque ahead of the mission, in his usual self-deprecating way. We all thought that was the coolest thing ever. Always think of it when I see Mars out at night. Comforts me a little to know his sig is there and will be there long after we catch up to him on his journey. He was a good man. https://magazine.uchicago.edu/9708/9708JournalMars.html

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Martin Starr uploaded photo(s)

Friday, November 7, 2025

For my dear friend Johnathan, who cared for others so much, I can offer my heartfelt sympathies to his surviving family and friends, wherever dispersed. He was a Brother good and true, disciplined, passionate about his many interests in life, and devoted to his children, his faith and his fraternity. One only wishes his benevolent spirit had stayed with us longer, but I remain thankful for the time we shared together.

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The family of Johnathan Edward Barnes uploaded a photo

Friday, November 7, 2025

Johnathan Edward Barnes

1976 - 2025