Jody A. Barnes of Whitefield, Maine died Sept. 6, 2017 at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born in Damariscotta, Maine on May 13, 1960 to Barbara Barnes Dixon and Robert Barnes Sr. 

Jody was paraplegic as the result of a terrible car accident early in the winter of 1988. In spite of his constant pain and many challenges, he lived independently, complained rarely, always ready with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was generous of heart and would give his last two pennies to help someone in need. He loved family, and though he never had children of his own, he was a sweet, beloved Uncle Jody to many. His pain and suffering have ended and although we will miss him dearly, we are most grateful for that.

He was predeceased by his mother, his father, and his brothers, Scott Barnes and Jeffrey Sondergaard. 

He is survived by his sister, Robin Barnes Rushlau and her husband Geoffrey Rushlau; his brother, Robert (Cisco) Barnes II, several nieces and nephews including Katherine, Anna and Joseph Rushlau, Dustan Barnes, Kayla Seigars and Robert Barnes III; his longtime caregiver and friend Kathryn Scott and her sons Doug and Dan Scott, who were family to him as well as his stepmother Betty Barnes, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Special thanks from the family to emergency personnel at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, the ambulance crew, LincolnHealth Miles Campus, and the Maine Medical Center, but especially to Alex, Jody’s CICU nurse who went above and beyond to find Jody’s family when he needed them most.  

There will be a graveside gathering to celebrate Jody’s life at the Whitefield Cemetery on Route 218 in Whitefield, Maine on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. All are welcome to share a remembrance of Jody or a song, poem or a prayer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jody’s name to Alpha One Now (Center for Independent Living) that has enabled Jody and thousands of other people with disabilities to live more fully and more independently in all aspects of their lives.  http://alphaonenow.com/donate.htm

Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath. Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.