Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Harrell Obituary
1931-2017
James Earl Harrell, Sr., M.D. passed away peacefully on February 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas with his devoted wife, Joan at his bedside. Dr. Harrell led a distinguished life noteworthy for his many accomplishments, patriotic service to his country, and devotion to his family.
He was born on December 25th, 1931 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Edna Irene Slater and Wilson Harrell. He joined the Arkansas National Guard at the age of 15, which was the beginning of a long military career. Graduating from El Dorado High School in 1949, he went on to graduate from Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas where he became a Baptist minister. He married Betty J. Rogers in 1951. After completing parachute training and Ranger training, he served in Austria as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Subsequently, he attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, graduating in 1962 with a M.D. degree. Returning to active duty, he completed his internship at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in 1963. His radiology residency and angiography fellowship were completed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1967. After leaving active duty, he joined the Department of Radiology at The Methodist Hospital and the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas in 1972. He was promoted to Chairman of the Department of Radiology at Baylor, and Chief of Service at The Methodist Hospital in 1976 by Dr. Michael E. Debakey. Over the next 25 years, he led the transformation of radiological services and education, retiring in 2001. He considered his proudest medical accomplishments to be in the field of radiology education where he devoted great attention and effort. During this period of time, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General leading the 807th Medical Brigade, followed by promotion to Major General commanding all of the U.S. Army Medical Corps of Reserves. He received many awards and medals including the Distinguished Service Medal. "The General," as he was known to his staff and colleagues, was a consummate patriot dedicated to the defense of his country.
In 1977, he married Joan Marie Cordes. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Joan, of Houston; a son, James Earl Harrell, Jr., M.D., and his wife, Marty, of Longview, Texas; and Minnie, wife of deceased son David A. Harrell. Grandchildren: James Wells Harrell, Elizabeth A. Harrell, Lauren A. Harrell, and D. J. Harrell. Great-granddaughter: Charlotte E. Harrell-Atiyeh.
Dr. Harrell was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, and golf. He was a great inspiration to so many family friends, colleagues, trainees, and patients. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: The Methodist Hospital Foundation, Jim and Joan Harrell Endowed Chair of Radiology, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, Texas 77210.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Harrell
Sponsored by Neptune Society - Houston.
Joel Simmons
August 25, 2018
Joan, just heard about Dr. Harrell. Hope you are doing OK.
I often remembered our association with you both while I worked for Kodak in TX - they were good memories!
Shannon Cox
May 8, 2017
I was honored to have gotten to know Dr. Harrell.
He was very kind and inspirational to me as a medical
student doing a rotation in radiology at Herman and
MD Anderson Hospital. He left a lasting impression on
me. I was sad to hear he had died.
Shannon Cox,M.D
Susan Brenneman, SFC, Ret.
February 7, 2017
Sorry to learn of the passing of General Harrell. It was an honor to serve under his command at the 807th HQ. He was a great leader. Condolences to the family.
Maxine Johnson
February 7, 2017
Joan,
God has gained a great General! He always cared for, encouraged, and respected his medical and Army soldiers so much! He will be missed so much by all of us who knew and worked with him--what a pleasure to have been associated with this great man. May you find comfort in knowing that all who knew him, loved him! Prayers lifted up for you and the family.
Col (Ret) Maxine Johnson, Chief Nurse, 807th Medical Brigade
Tiva Kasemsri
February 7, 2017
The "General" was so very humble. We are sorry for your loss. The old soldier has returned home.
February 7, 2017
Jim was a real leader who led the department of radiology at TMH for 25 years after making needed changes in the practice earlier. He was a true individual and after "The General's"
departure they threw away the mold.
February 7, 2017
Joan and Family,
It was an honor to have known the "General". He was a fine gentleman and I have great memories of him both in the Methodist and out on the Golf course. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. RIP Dr. Harrell.
Respectufully,
Hector DiVito
February 7, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. May your grief be lessened as time passes by and may Almighty God's Promises @ John 6:40 & Ps 37:9-11,29 Comfort you and give you Hope during your time of sorrow.
COL James Duke
February 6, 2017
RIP my Commander and dear Friend. Prayers for the Harrell Family.
Don Deckard
February 6, 2017
It was a true privilage to have known Dr. Harrell and have received his thoughtfull guidance on several occassions.
Lynn Sanders
February 6, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gayle & Esther McNutt
February 5, 2017
Our very dearest friend, Jim. May you rest in peace and may peace be with Joan.
Bill Prominski, M.D.
February 5, 2017
Joan and family,
It was with great sadness that I heard of Dr. Harrell's passing. He will always be the General to me and was one of the great influences in my life and career, both military and civilian. I will never forget him or my experience under him, as one of his residents at BCM, class of 1987. My best to you and all his family.
Robert & Jean Tinkle
February 5, 2017
Jimmy was my best friend. We joined the National t the same time 08-27-47.
He was always an exceptional true friend. He will always be missed.
Randy Hood
February 5, 2017
I loved working with Dr Harrell. I came when he called, listened to his orders, and got out of the office before I said something stupid. He commanded so much respect from everyone.
February 4, 2017
Joan, I am so sorry for your loss. May you be flooded with happy memories of times when Jim was well and strong. Sammie Gresham Graves
David Workman
February 4, 2017
Joan,it was my pleasure to work with Dr. Harrell at Methodist Hospital for 25 years. He was not only a great leader and motivator, but also caring and compassionate towards his patients and employees.I will always have personal fond memories of the times we spent together. He was truly one of a kind. Toni and I continue to have you in our thoughts and prayers.
David Workman
Former Administrative Director of Radiology at TMH.
February 3, 2017
Very Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and family. Don Shultz
Murl Bailey
February 3, 2017
Joan,
General Harrell was a great leader and Commander.
Murl Bailey, DVM
Becky Magee
February 3, 2017
General Harrell was the best General and commander I had the honor to serve under. He was an inspiration to us all and he cared for his troops and their families. I was honored to be his driver on numerous occasions. My thoughts and prayers are with Joan and their family.
(SFC (retired), Secretary in the Security, Plans, & Operations Section, 1979-1985, 807th Medical Brigade)
Robert Morrow
February 2, 2017
I consider it an honor and great pleasure to have known General Harrell and to have been associated with him in the field of medicine.
Robert L. Morrow, Jr., M.D. Orthopaedics, Lafayette La, Colonel (Retired), past Deputy Commander 807th Medical Brigade.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in James Harrell's name
Memorial Events
for James Harrell
Funeral services provided by:
Neptune Society - Houston2901 West Loop South Suite 102, Houston, TX 77027
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Harrell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
