James Harless
January 13, 2009
James Harless, 58, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. Born on August 5, 1950, James graduated from Des Moines Tech High School in 1968 and married his “beautiful wife” Jeanie in 1970. He proudly joined the Army and served in Viet Nam. He then joined the Iowa Army National Guard and was the youngest First Sergeant of the 1-194th Cavalry. He founded and served as President of the Viet Nam Veterans of America (VVA) of Iowa Chapter 490.
James worked for Yellow Transportation for 30 plus years. He most enjoyed time with his family and grandchildren. He was also very involved with his church, Sunday Church, as the benevolence director and a member of the leadership team. He was steadfast in his faith. James also enjoyed gardening, carpentry, ISU and all college football and was a supporter for the Central Iowa Homeless Shelter. As his last act of giving of himself, he was an organ donor.
James is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jeanie; daughter, Dr. Christi (Rob) Taylor; son, Joe (Amanda) Harless; mother, Helen; grandchildren, Melani, Kate, Ben and Will Taylor, Peyton, Kyle and Jake Harless; sisters, Mary Abbott and Rose Parsons; brother, Russ Harless; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Cathy Syferd, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Russ.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. The family will greet friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2009 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Iowa Shelter Services or the Viet Nam Veterans of America Local 490 in loving memory of James.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Danny Batt
01/18/2009
Jim was the 1st person with Yellow Freight on 10/10/83 that I met in Marshalltown, IA on the 1st day I worked for Yellow. Over the years he was a great help and a friend as I was with Yellow for 16 years and good friends with all at the Des Moines facility. I lost my wife last year and can relate to some of your feelings. Embrase your children and grandchildren as strength. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Danny Batt & Family
Nsync Services, Inc.
01/16/2009
To the family of James Harless. Please accept our deepest condolences. Kevin, you are in our prayers. Nsync Services, Inc will be contributing a monetary gift, at your request, to the Vietnam Veterans of America Local 490, in honor of your father. May you find peace in this time of sorrow.
Tammy Mortenson
01/16/2009
Jim was a very good man.
Our prayers and sympathies go from our family to yours.
DeAnna Beck
01/17/2009
Jeanie,
I was so sorry to learn of Jim's death. I was just reading Thursday's paper today (Saturday), so am unable to attend his service. You and Jim made a great couple, and even though I have not seen you in many years, I will always hold fond memories of our times together as friends.
Warm Regards.
DeAnna Beck
Indianola
Lisa and Terry VanEllen
01/15/2009
To the Harless Family:
Dad and I were so saddened to hear about Jim.
He was truly a Great American and a Patriot.
You have our deepest sympathies.
Our prayers go out to you and yours.
Lisa and Terry
Rich Meehan
01/14/2009
My sincere sympathy to you Jeanie and your children,and grand children. Knowing Jim my bet would be he was a great grandfather, as I remember him as a caring father. He was a firm beliver in Family First , God and work.
Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely
Rich & Patti Meehan