James Barnes coached for 31 years at Union, Airport, Rock Hill and Lewisville high schools, as well as a stint in Charlotte at E.E. Waddell, compiling a 415-23 record and winning 16 state team championships.

Barnes led Airport High School to South Carolina state team championships in 1976, 1977 and 1979 while finishing second in 1973 and 1975.

He took over at Rock Hill High School and led the Bearcats to 13 state team titles and six runner-up finishes from 1981 to 2000.

Barnes also coached Union High School to a runner-up finish in 1973.

He won multiple Wrestling Coach of the Year awards and is a member of the South Carolina Athletic Coaching Association Hall of Fame.