Editor's Note: In conjunction with Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, three Marist graduates were presented with alumni awards on Friday, Oct. 19. Two had a special connection to Athletics. James Barnes, who was a rower and men's soccer player in his time at Marist and a 1968 graduate, was presented with the Dr. Dennis J. Murray Distinguished Service Award. This award is presented to an alumnus or alumna who has diligently and faithfully served the Marist Alumni Association for an extended period of time. Service can be in the form of a regional chapter position or any involvement that advances the mission of Marist through dedicated volunteer efforts

The following information was presented by the Office for College Advancement.

James Barnes is a proud member of the Class of 1968, and is one of the College's most dedicated graduates. Throughout his career, he has always made time to support both his alma mater and his community. Jim graduated from Marist with a bachelor's in Business Administration after attending Mount Saint Michael's Academy – a Marist Brothers High School in the Bronx. He then went on to serve in the United States Marine Corp in Vietnam where he earned nine Combat Decorations as a First Lieutenant Combat Commander.

After retiring from the military he went on to become president of Fast Freight of New York until 1981, when he became a senior project manager with Moran, Stahl, and Boyer, Inc. There he specialized in relocating Fortune 100 firms worldwide. He then moved to FITCO Inc., where he served first as president of the company from 1987 to 1996, and then, after selling the company to Advance Mayflower, as vice president of sales from 1996 to 2012.

Jim is currently president of McCoys Upholstery Group, Inc., a company committed to providing the tri-state area with quality craftsmanship for auto, marine, custom, and commercial upholstery services.

Jim's commitment to Marist is evident in his vast variety of leadership positions. He has served on the Marist College Board of Trustees since 1991 and is the current chair of the Lifetime of Excellence in Sports Communication Award. He also co-chaired the Presidential Inauguration Committee in 2016, remains an active member of the Marist Alumni Career Network, and frequently sponsors Marist events at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan. He and his family are also the most dedicated participants in the Marist contingent of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Jim frequently refers prospective students to the Office of Admission, including his own family members. Three of Jim's children have graduated from Marist - Shamus, Virginia, and Sean, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Three grandchildren are also currently attending the College.

In addition to his time and energy, Jim has also donated large quantities of office furniture to Marist over the years, and there are plaques dedicated to Jim and his family in the McCann Center and Hancock Center recognizing their support.

Marist has not been the only beneficiary of Jim's generous spirit. He is a member of the Knights of Saint Patrick, Wounded Warriors, Warriors in Motion, the Colony Theater Foundation, and is treasurer of the Classic Car Club of America Long Island Chapter. He dedicates his time to the Adaptive Sports Foundation serving wounded service members, with a special focus on downhill skiing at Windham Mountain. He was previously on the Board of Trustees at Mt. St. Michael's High School and secretary for the Winged Foot Rugby Club at the New York Athletic Club whom he played competitive rugby with from 1976 to 1990.

For Jim, supporting both his college and his community is a way of life. For his outstanding service to both, we are proud to honor Jim Barnes with the Dr. Dennis J. Murray Distinguished Service Award.