James M. Barnes (politician)

James Martin Barnes (January 9, 1899 – June 8, 1958) was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois and administrative assistant to Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman.

James M. Barnes
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 20th district
In office January 3, 1939 – January 3, 1943
Preceded by	Scott W. Lucas
Succeeded by	Sid Simpson
Personal details
Born	(1899-01-09)January 9, 1899 Jacksonville, Illinois, US
Died	June 8, 1958(1958-06-08) (aged 59) Washington, D.C., US
Political party	Democratic

Early life

James Martin Barnes was born on January 9, 1899, in Jacksonville, Illinois. He attended the local schools and served in the United States Marine Corps during World War I.^[1]

Career

Barnes graduated from Illinois College in 1921 and Harvard Law School in 1924. He was admitted to the bar in 1924 and practiced in Jacksonville. He was also active in business, and served on the boards of directors of the Ideal Baking Company, the Jacksonville Farm Supply Company and other companies.^[2]

A Democrat, he served as Morgan County Judge from 1926 to 1934, afterwards resuming the practice of law.^[3][4]

Barnes was elected to the Seventy-sixth and Seventy-seventh Congresses and served from January 3, 1939, to January 3, 1943. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1942.^[5]

In March 1943, Barnes was appointed as administrative assistant to President Roosevelt. He continued in the position under President Truman following Roosevelt's death, serving from March 1, 1943, to July 15, 1945.^[6] In 1944 he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.^[7]

After leaving the White House Barnes practiced law in Washington, D.C.^[8][9]

Death and burial

Grave at Arlington National Cemetery

Barnes died in Washington, D.C., on June 8, 1958.^[10] He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 13, Grave 14684–22–23. His gravesite is near the intersections of Farragut and Wilson Drives.^[11]