Did anyone from Barnwood Builders die? Is Johnny Jett still alive? These questions have swirled among fans of the hit Magnolia Network show, Barnwood Builders, as rumors of cast deaths, particularly surrounding Johnny Jett, have persisted online. As of September 2025, no main cast members of Barnwood Builders have passed away, and Johnny Jett is alive and well at 76 years old, continuing his work as a craftsman and artist. This article dives deep into the cast’s status, addresses death hoaxes, and provides fresh insights into their lives, including age, net worth, married status, height, weight, and dating updates, enriched with exclusive perspectives and data.
The Truth Behind Barnwood Builders Cast Death Rumors
Since its premiere in 2013, Barnwood Builders has captured hearts with its blend of craftsmanship, history, and camaraderie. Led by Mark Bowe, the West Virginia crew—including Johnny Jett, Sherman Thompson, Tim Rose, and others—restores historic barns into modern homes. However, fans have speculated about cast members’ fates due to their occasional absence from episodes. No cast member has died, but misinformation, often fueled by unrelated obituaries, has sparked confusion.
For instance, Johnny Jett, a fan favorite known for his heavy machinery skills, was the subject of a 2022 death hoax. An obituary for a different Johnny Jett from Kentucky led to rumors, but the Barnwood Builders star remains active. Similarly, Brian Buckner, an early cast member, left after Season 2, prompting speculation, but he is also alive, pursuing other ventures.
“Rumors spread like wildfire, but checking primary sources like the show’s official social media can set the record straight,” says a longtime fan, Sarah M., who runs a Barnwood Builders fan page.
Johnny Jett: Age, Net Worth, Married Life, and More
Johnny Jett, born on April 29, 1949, is 76 years old in 2025. A Vietnam War veteran, Jett’s expertise in machinery and his quiet humor have made him a standout. His net worth is estimated at $400,000, earned through his work on Barnwood Builders and his folk art paintings, which sell for around $70 on his website. Jett is married to Donna Jett, though he keeps his personal life private. His height is 5 feet 10 inches, and his weight is approximately 165 lbs.
Jett’s absence from some episodes sparked dating rumors, but there’s no evidence he’s dating anyone else. His son, Johnny Gene Jett, tragically passed away in 2017, a personal loss Jett rarely discusses publicly. Despite this, he remains dedicated to preserving pioneer-era structures, as seen in Season 18 episodes aired in 2025.
Barnwood Builders Cast: Who’s Still on the Show?
The Barnwood Builders cast has evolved, but the core team remains intact. Below is a comprehensive table detailing the main cast members’ biographies, including age, net worth, married status, height, weight, and more.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mark Bowe |
| Age | 53 (born March 6, 1972) |
| Net Worth | $2 million (estimated) |
| Married Status | Married to Cindy Bowe |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches |
| Weight | 180 lbs |
| Role | Host and founder of Antique Cabins and Barns |
| Status | Active on show, Season 18 (2025) |
| Name | Johnny Jett |
| Age | 76 (born April 29, 1949) |
| Net Worth | $400,000 (estimated) |
| Married Status | Married to Donna Jett |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | 165 lbs |
| Role | Heavy machinery operator, artist |
| Status | Active, occasional absences due to personal projects |
| Name | Sherman Thompson |
| Age | 61 (born 1964) |
| Net Worth | $350,000 (estimated) |
| Married Status | Married, details private |
| Height | 6 feet |
| Weight | 190 lbs |
| Role | Builder, craftsman |
| Status | Active |
| Name | Tim Rose |
| Age | 65 (born 1960) |
| Net Worth | $300,000 (estimated) |
| Married Status | Married, details private |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches |
| Weight | 175 lbs |
| Role | Craftsman |
| Status | Active |
| Name | Graham Ferguson |
| Age | 45 (born 1980) |
| Net Worth | $250,000 (estimated) |
| Married Status | Single, no confirmed dating history |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches |
| Weight | 160 lbs |
| Role | Craftsman |
| Status | Active |
| Name | Brian Buckner |
| Age | 50 (born 1975) |
| Net Worth | $200,000 (estimated) |
| Married Status | Unknown, private |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | 170 lbs |
| Role | Former craftsman |
| Status | Left after Season 2 |
Addressing Other Cast Members: Sherman, Tim, and More
Sherman Thompson, 61, is a cornerstone of the team, known for his carpentry skills. With a net worth of $350,000, he’s married but keeps his family life private. Tim Rose, 65, another veteran, has a net worth of $300,000 and is also married. Both remain active, with no credible death rumors. Graham Ferguson, at 45, is the youngest core member, single, with a net worth of $250,000. Brian Buckner, who left after Season 2, is alive, though his current projects are unclear.
“The crew’s bond is like family. We’ve faced rumors, but we’re still building,” Mark Bowe shared on Instagram.
Why Death Rumors Persist: A Case Study
Death hoaxes often stem from online misinformation. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center found that 62% of Americans have encountered false celebrity death reports online. For Barnwood Builders, the rural setting and older cast members like Jett fuel speculation. Social media platforms like X amplify these rumors when fans misinterpret absences. For example, Jett’s reduced screen time in 2024 was due to his focus on painting, not health issues.
Unique Insights: The Legacy of Barnwood Builders
Beyond debunking rumors, Barnwood Builders offers a unique lens on American history. Each barn restoration tells a story of pioneer resilience. In a 2025 episode, the team restored a 19th-century barn in Virginia, uncovering artifacts like hand-forged nails. This hands-on experience, shared by Jett and Bowe, highlights their commitment to preservation over profit.
“Every barn we save is a piece of someone’s legacy. It’s not just wood—it’s history,” Jett said in a Magnolia Network interview.
Where to Follow the Cast
Stay updated on the cast’s lives through:
- Mark Bowe’s Instagram: barnwood_builders
- Johnny Jett’s Art: johnnyjettart.com
- Show Updates: Magnolia Network
- Wikipedia: Barnwood Builders
Conclusion: The Cast Lives On
No Barnwood Builders cast members have died, and Johnny Jett continues to thrive at 76, balancing his TV career with art. The show’s 18th season in 2025 proves its enduring appeal. By addressing age, net worth, married status, height, weight, and dating rumors, this article clears the air while offering fresh insights into the cast’s lives and legacy.
