B.J. Barnhurst 61, passed away at his home Feb. 6, 2009, after a courageous six-month battle with brain cancer.
He was born May 24, 1947 to William and Edith Barnhurst of Springfield, Ore. He moved to Carson City from Manhattan, Kan. in 1984.
B.J. was preceded in death by his parents; surrogate father Vern Wartenbee; and nephew James Jambor.
B.J. is survived by his wife of 29 years Jane, of Carson City; devoted pets Maxwell and Murphy; brother Dennis Wartenbee (Jean) of Chandler, Ariz.; Alma Wartenbee of Springfield, Ore.; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
B.J. graduated from Thurston High School in Springfield, Ore. in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968 including one-year tour of duty overseas. Although blessed with many unique and diverse gifts, B.J. lived a modest life. He had musical and artistic talent and could build anything he set his mind to. He had an immense talent and passion for customizing cars and building racecars and won numerous awards over the years, including the National Rod and Custom Association's National Champion Best Truck. He was instrumental in creating the go-kart track at Fuji Park and eagerly shared his wealth of knowledge of racing and customizing. He was a founding member of the band, Brushfire, and owned Sierra Street Rods and KISS Racing & Fabrication Shop. Most recently, he ventured into the custom golf cart business known as Kreative Golf Cars with his brother. B.J.'s unique gifts will be dearly missed by all he has touched.
A private family service was held in the Barnhurst home Feb. 8, 2009. A celebration barbecue of B.J.'s life will be held in the spring. Family and friends will be notified of the date and place at a later time.
Autumn Funerals and Cremations are caring for his final arrangements.