Historian, author and beloved teacher Jason Barney passed away unexpectedly on May 4, 2026, from complications of colon cancer. Easygoing, generous and funny, Jason was full of life and good energy, curious, creative, and bold in pursuing his dreams. His unique gifts and positive presence will be greatly missed by family, friends, colleagues and the Franklin County communities he loved.
Jason was born on July 10, 1975 in St. Albans, Vt., to Rand and Joyce Barney of Highgate, the middle child of five. He met the world with imagination and curiosity and was a prolific talker from a young age. At Missisquoi Valley Union High School, Jason played basketball, wrote for the school newspaper and performed in school musicals. He remained lifelong friends with Aeneas Janze and Matt Haugland, friendships forged over long hours of playing Risk, watching sci-fi shows, and overnight trips to the hill, where Jay always started and tended the fire.
At the College of St. Joseph, Jay studied history, became student government president and developed an enduring fondness for Pink Floyd. In his senior year, he ran for the Vermont state legislature, winning and holding a seat from his home district of Highgate for three terms, and serving as vice chair of the Education Committee.
Jason found his calling as a history teacher and, returning to his roots, taught for 23 years at MVU in Swanton. Jay was a natural and charismatic teacher. He was beloved for his enthusiasm, humor, empathy and authenticity, and his students speak of his classroom as a place where they felt welcomed, respected and cared about. His pioneering work in local history introduced young people to the rich history and culture of Franklin County — and earned Mr. Barney a plethora of local, regional and national awards.
Over the last seven years, Jason published five books of local history. Even during cancer treatment, Jason continued his research and writing and ultimately produced five volumes: Northern Vermont in the War of 1812, The Hidden History of Franklin County, Northern Vermont and the Revolutionary War, The Hidden History of Lake Champlain, and Grand Hotels & Resorts of Northern Vermont, which was released the month he died.
A self-proclaimed nerd, Jason was an avid reader of Stephen King, Tom Clancy and classic literature. He had a nearly complete collection of “Star Trek” novels and was a prolific contributor to an online “Star Trek” timeliners group. He loved tie-dye, obscure ’70s psychedelic rock, creating hosta gardens and growing shiitake mushrooms. He published several sci-fi short stories and worked on two novels.
Jay cared deeply about his community. As president of the Swanton Historical Society, he engaged young people to serve on the board. Jason spent several years documenting the history of the Earthworks Commune in Franklin, Vt., interviewing and creating lasting connections with several of its members. He cohosted election night analysis on public access TV and was a popular speaker who brought the house down during one memorable event.
Jason treasured his time at home with Christine and Sam. As a husband, Jason was generous, affectionate, devoted and fun. He and Christine created a beautiful homestead together, keeping chickens and honeybees, gardening, and sugaring. As a father, Jason was loving, attentive and playful. Jason taught Sam to throw a football, shoot hoops, fish, play chess, and to love reading, writing and the New England Patriots. Over English muffin pizzas, they watched sports; talked history, politics and books; and shared hours of reading and writing. Jason thought the world of Sam and admired the man he’s grown into. Cats Wiggles and Fiona shared his early morning routine and fondness for cheese. Putting on a soundtrack to cook by, building a bonfire, making full moon tea or stargazing on clear nights, Jason made home a magical and happy place.
Jason is survived by his wife, Christine; son, Samuel; father, Rand Barney (Mary); mother, Joyce Barney Strauss (Brian); and his siblings and their families, Joe (Penny), Jeff (Andrea), Josh, and Jessica Larsen Blodgett (Jim). He stayed connected with extended family nearby and had especially close relationships with his cousin Armand Messier and paternal grandfather, George “Ken” Barney.
A celebration of Jason’s life will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, 3 to 6 p.m., at the Highgate Manor. A ceremony will take place at 4 p.m., with time before and after to visit with family and friends. Donations in Jason’s memory may be made to the Swanton Historical Society or to the Jason Barney Memorial Scholarship at MVU.