JAMES R. BAREFOOT March 30, 1927 - November 13, 2012 James R. Barefoot, resident of 2208 Rush Street, stepped into Heaven, November 13, 2012, in Anderson, SC, at the age of 85. James was born in Durham, NC, March 30, 1927, and was one of nine children born to the late Adlie and Myrtle Kassiah Barefoot. James gave his heart and life to Jesus at the age of 17 and felt a call from God to minister among Native American Indians. He completed his education at Southern Pilgrim College in NC, where he met and married Helen French in 1952. They moved to serve in a mission school in New Mexico where they taught Navajo and Pueblo children for 7 years. After ministering briefly in the mountains of North Carolina with the Cherokee Indians, James and Helen worked their way north with their 3 children and became residents of Alaska in 1968.p In Alaska, James and Helen began to minister to Alaskan Indians and Eskimos through weekly prayer meeting that produced a radio program: "Cabin Prayer Meeting of the Air". This program reached most of Alaska through 3 Christian radio stations. James travelled to many isolated native villages by way of dog teams, snow machines, boat and small airplanes. He preached with passion the gospel of Jesus Christ across Alaska, leading many to know Christ and recording their songs of praise and testimonies in their native languages. After 25 years, Helen and James moved back to the Carolinas where they lived closer to their siblings and enjoyed warmer weather. James is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen; son, James W. Barefoot and wife Evelyn of Wasilla, AK; daughters Janet Barefoot Norell and husband Kent of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Judi Barefoot of Anderson, SC., spiritual daughter, Pilar Bennett Brown and husband Kevin of Robbinsville, NC; grandchildren, James A Barefoot of Nome, AK, Tanzi Barefoot Mitchell and husband John of Issaquah, WA, Joshua Norell and wife Lexi of Tulsa, OK, Benjamin Norell of Tulsa, OK, Nathanael Norell of Dominican Republic, Jeremiah Werner of Anderson, SC, Josh and Erin Bennett of Robbinsville, NC; great-grandchildren, Seth Barefoot of Nome, AK, and Liam Mitchell of Issaquah, WA; brothers, Howard Barefoot and wife Dorothy, of Lebanon, IN, Paul Barefoot of Colville, WA; sisters, Myrlene Dickeck of Durham, NC, Josephine Parker of Durham, NC; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and Adlie Jr. Barefoot, two sisters, Juanita Barefoot Veal and Elizabeth Barefoot; and a daughter, Helen Cathey Barefoot. The family will receive friends between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at The McDougald Funeral Home. James' Home Going will be celebrated on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 11:00 am in a Life Celebration Service at New Covenant Church at 301 Simpson Road in Anderson, SC. James loved flowers, so arrangements are welcomed at The McDougald Funeral Home. Memorial contributions honoring James Barefoot may be made to Calvary Home for Children, 110 Calvary Home Circle, Anderson, SC, 29621; contact Director, Greg Skipper. Events Visitation Wednesday, November 21, 2012 5:00PM - 7:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Home going service Saturday, November 24, 2012 11:00AM New Covenant Presbyterian Church 301 Simpson Road Anderson, SC 29621