BARNES - John Francis Barnes, age 85, of Marne, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2017. He went peacefully and without pain from Alzheimer's disease. John fell in love with Shirley, a nurse and the dearest friend of his sister. They married in 1956 and where married for 51 years, before Shirley passed in 2007. He was the son to a mother from Cahersiveen in Count Kerry, Barnes was proud of his Irish heritage. John served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He made a career as a Grand Rapids firefighter. John was among firefighters being assigned to the city's rescue squad. The self-taught businessman, also founded the family floor-covering business, AAA Sales, run today by sons, Tom and Steve. From his West Side store, Barnes served a generation of customers and friends, police and firefighters. We learned early there is no one in a white beard and red suit delivering presents. Barnes arrived home late on Christmas morning, yet another fire. We had left for church, and hour later, the house was thick with gifts, and smelled of charred wood. John had bolted out back and come in through the front, which the smoke clung to him. We knew he was the one who delivered our presents. What we did not learn until much later was that he had done the same thing for another man, whose job it was to run toward flames, but was having a hard time, and had no gifts to give. They had a Merry Christmas too. There are many such stories, which he would never share. John was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Rose; son, Patrick; grandson, Ryan and all four siblings, Robert, Mary, Betty and Tom. He is survived by his children, John (Julie) Barnes, Steve (Tammie) Barnes, Tom Barnes and Mary (Brent) Reed; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one expected any day. The family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 15164 Juniper Drive, Marne, Michigan at 10:00 a.m., with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Father Ayub Francis Nasar, officiating and with the auspice of Kent County Veterans Honor Guard. In memory of John, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.