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James Harrell Obituary
On Tuesday, September 16, 2003. Beloved husband, father, and friend passed peacefully at age 64 in his home. He is survived by his wife, Marion C. Harrell; a son, Samuel K. Harrell; a daughter, Molly M. Harrell; his mother, Frances A. Harrell; two brothers, Dr. Henry L. Harrell Jr. and Dr. Frank W. Harrell; three sisters, Elaine McConnaughhay, Martha Chumbler, and Susan H. Robinson; and loving extended family and friends. With degrees from Vanderbilt University and Yale Divinity School, Jim was first called to the position of United Methodist Chaplain at University of Maryland, College Park, then to public service as a federal health and child welfare advocate in Washington D.C. More recently he has been a consultant for the Center for Study of Social Policy and actively involved as a leader in the Church of the Epiphany (Anglican/Episcopal). A Memorial service will be held at the Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005, on Friday, September 26 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church of the Epiphany's Welcome Table Program (provides breakfast and counseling to the homeless and working poor in downtown Washington), noting: Jim Harrell Memorial; or to Children's Defense Fund at www.childrensdefense.org.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Harrell
Sam Harrell
September 15, 2025
cocco josephine russell falk
September 30, 2004
one of my favorite quotes kept on my desk...it helps me breathe when memories overwhelm me & doubts flood in. the last line reminds me especially of jim & what impressed me most about his life, work & family perspective. here's to you, dear jim.
by geneen roth
"commit yourself.
tell the truth.
pain ends & so does everything else.
laugh easily.
cry easily.
have patience.
be willing to be vulnerable.
when you notice that you are clinging to something & it's causing trouble, drop it.
don't let fear stop you from leaping into the unknown or from sitting in dark silence.
remember that everything gets lost, stolen, ruined, worn out or broken; bodies sag & wrinkle; everyone suffers & everyone dies.
no act of love is ever wasted."
from a friend
September 16, 2004
"No Other Way"
(c) by Martha Smock
Excerpt:
Could we but see the pattern of our days,
We should discern how devious were the ways
By which we came to this, the present time,
This place in life; and we should see the climb
Our soul has made up through the years.
We should forget the hurts, the wanderings, the fears,
The wastelands of our life, and know
That we could come no other way or grow
Into our good without these steps our feet
Found hard to take, our faith found hard to meet....
Sug Coates
September 15, 2004
I am very fortunate to have had Jim involved in my life. He was a great friend as well as a wonderful brother-in-law.
When I think of Jim now,(which is often), I see him with his great smile. I hear his soft voice. I see the sparkle in his eyes. I feel his warm hugs that would greet me at the door. Perhaps the word "comforting" is the my best best discription of Jim.
Jim had a listening quality about him that I've never experienced in anyone else. If you shared your pain with him, he truly felt your pain. If you shared your joy, he felt your joy. I think that quality came through as a result of his great love for his God.
Jim loved his kids as well, always bragging about them (with good reason), frustrated at times as all parents are, but never critical, always reasuring. Then there's Ronnie. Well, I think perhaps he loved her more than God if that's possible. I was always so taken by the strength of their bond.
I was privileged to have been with Ronnie and Jim the last day of his life. Although there was sadness, I can honesltly say it was a very loving experience. Ronnie crawled into the bed next to Jim, put her arm on his and they went to sleep. A few hours later he left her.I am convinced that the only reason Jim "hung on" for such a long time is because he didn't want to leave "his Mary". There's just no other explanation.
I miss Jim.
Sug
Vida Russell
September 13, 2004
I think of Jim constantly and miss him even more... but all my memories of Jim are such good ones, full of laughter, wonderful talks and times shared over the table with food and family. I can't express how much he gave to all around him, his community as well as his loved ones. He's an inspiration to me to always try to make every moment count, as I saw him doing day after day.
Dora Coates
September 12, 2004
There are times when I think of Jim, when he "shows Up" in my mind, and always the thoughts are more feelings of his presence. I think that's because he had such a strong presence. It is his warmth and humor that shine through -- his compassion, his love of contemplating any idea you would bring up, his genuine care for others, his consideration of their points of view. He was truly an all-embracing guy. I so admire Jim's acceptance of life as it is, and also his desire to work for a better life.
Submitted by a friend
September 12, 2004
Brian Andreas is a beloved story teller. This story, written for someone else, seems applicable to Jim as well.
Listening well – for Erik
By Brian Andreas, © 2003 storypeople.com
He had the gift
of stopping time
& listening well
so that it was easy
to hear who
we could become
& that was the future
he held safe
for each of us
in his great heart
you may ask, what now?
& I hope you understand
when we speak softly
among ourselves
& do not answer
just yet
for our future
is no longer the same
without him
By Brian Andreas, © 2003 storypeople.com
www.storypeople.com
Ann Linehan
October 26, 2003
I think about Jim a lot. I remember how fervently he cared about the rights of children and how impassioned he was to make the world a safer place for them. Tonight as news unfolded of a horrific case of child abuse in NJ, I was reminded how much we miss Jim...his leadership, his fighting spirit and the integrity that guided his actions.
Ludell Neill Coffey
October 9, 2003
Marion, Sam, and Molly;
You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Jim was my buddy all his life - since I'm the older cousin. I have many memories of our long talks and happy times in childhood and as adults. Your loss is shared by people all over but we recognize that your pain is more intense. God bless you and comfort you. If you come to East Tennessee (and now is a beautiful time to come), we would love to have you stay with us. With Love, Dean & Ludell
October 7, 2003
“Angels always come in disguise.”
Margaret Gordon
September 29, 2003
Mrs. Harrell, I was truly saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I only knew him for a short period of time as a member of the Warden's Planning Committee in the Diocese of Washington. He was special in a quiet and unassuming way and I will certainly miss him. My prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. May you find some solace and comfort in knowing that he did make a difference in this world. God Bless all of you!
Mike Ambrose
September 26, 2003
Among his many accomplishments, Jim assisted a number of other governments in public health as well as child welfare. Just today, at the reception after his memorial service, a number of his colleagues made final plans for a U.S. briefing of the staff of a Romanian contractor who will be installing the Child Welfare Information system Jim proposed and championed for that country. We were acutely conscious that Jim's leadership was continuing to guide us, and very pleased that we can report back to Jim Harrell that we're wrapping up one more of his projects.
Curtis O. Porter
September 26, 2003
Marion and family:
I only had the pleasure of knowing Jim for a few short years. However, I truly enjoyed working with him as we reached out improve the lives our nation's children and youth.
May God bless and keep you!
Gordon Juan
September 26, 2003
Want to say Jim was such a wise and knowledgable man and stated many things to me when I was a Head Start Fellow in 2000, that has played an important role in my growth now as a federal employee, I will miss you Jim.
Amanda Bryans
September 26, 2003
While terribly saddened to learn of Jim's death, I know the world is a better place for the time he spent here. He was smart, articulate, compassionate and funny. We will miss him.
Jean Simpson
September 25, 2003
My family and I wish you continued wonderful memories of a good man. May you always know how wonderfully God has smiled on you and your family by the strong outpouring of love and caring from so many.
sharon fujii
September 25, 2003
Our condolences to Jim's family, colleagues and friends. We will miss him very much for what he did and how he did it. Through his work and other activities, he helped to make this a better place for others. I consider myself very fortunate in having known him.
Pamela Johnson
September 25, 2003
To Jim's Family:
I had the pleasure of working with Jim for over twenty years. To me, he was an excellent example of a true public servant - always striving to do the best for the most needy of our citizens - children and youth. May his legacy of service and love comfort you and continue to inspire us all.
Jacqueline Willimas & family
September 25, 2003
Jim was a pleasure to meet and work with. He was very distinguished. He knew how to make you laugh. I especially was touched when he decided to grow a beard and then shave it off! We had many conversations about that. Jim had a unique personality and he touched many lives. He would "listen" to you.
My prayer for you is that you allow the memories of Jim's life comfort you. Know that He is suffering no longer and that God knows best. Also know that the life you live will speak for you. Look around and see all of the love you are receiving because of Jim's life.
My prayers are continually with you. God loves you and He cares and so do we.
Sally & Jerry FLanzer
September 25, 2003
With happy memories, good friends, and faith - may you find peace and strength.
Carol Whipple
September 25, 2003
To the friends and family of Jim Harrell,
I feel honored to have had the opportunity to know and learn from Jim. His compassion for and commitment to improving the lives of children and their families was and continues to be an inspiration to all who knew him. His life and work have made a lasting impact on the lives he has touched, including mine. The world is a much emptier place without his loving presence. As the Eskimo legend reminds us, "perhaps they are not stars that shine down upon us, but openings where our loved ones let us know they are happy."
I send my deepest sympathy to his friends and family.
May God Bless Us,
Carol A. Whipple
The University of Kentucky
Eric, Denise & Lindsey McKan
September 24, 2003
To Molly and Sam,
Your father was a kind and gentle man who will be missed by all. He was always willing to chaperone Molly and Lindsey on one of their adventures no matter where it led him. He graciously smiled, found a book to read, gathered up the girls and off they went to rock concerts, amusement parks, 12 hour drives north to Vermont, or where ever. He created a bond that will never be broken and these times will be sketched in their minds for eternity. We were blessed to have had him in our presence and will miss him greatly. May God bless you as you rejoice in the wonderful life of Jim.
Elma Garnett
September 24, 2003
The Pray Group of Saint Thomas More send their condolences to the family of Jim Harrell.
Geraldine (Geri) Harper
September 24, 2003
As Jim's family and close friends know so very well, he was a man of outstanding and wonderful character!! It was my experience that upon meeting him for the very first time I had just met a genuinely loving and caring man; and, not to forget that quick, bright humor of his. I truly thank God for the privilege of knowing and working with Jim. My prayers are with his precious wife and children; may God bless and keep them in this time of great loss. With love and prayers,
Kassandra Parker
September 23, 2003
I have been told God needs all his Angles. Thanks to Jim, I am in the career I had been trying to get to for so long. I am so thankful that I got a chance to work for him!!
My prayers and sympathy to his family; who he was so devoted.
Stan Chappell
September 23, 2003
Jim was a distinguished and dedicated public servant, devoted advocate for children and youth, a great gentleman, and, to me, a good friend and mentor. I will miss him as will all his colleagues and associates. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Phyllis Henderson
September 23, 2003
Our deepest sympathy in the passing of your loved one. ACYF will miss Jim. God's richest blessings to you.
Donald Bross
September 19, 2003
Jim was a kind and caring person, and someone whom I cherished as a friend. He was remarkably worthy of the responsibilities placed on him as a trustee of public funds to protect children. Jim introduced himself professionally in 1976 when he called my first month on the job to discuss how to establish hospital guidelines nationally for the diagnosis of child abuse. In all the years since, I've never met a person better suited to represent the ideal of committed public service. His passing is a loss to us all.
Trey and Susan Harrell
September 18, 2003
Our prayers go out to Marion, Sam, and Molly, and to all of us who have been grieving during Jim’s illness and death. What I will always remember about my Uncle Jim are his attitude that this world is a wonderful place that has some problems which need fixing, and his courage to get out there and work to get those problems fixed. He demonstrated this determination over and over during his life, from his participation in the civil rights march into Selma, to his efforts to make our country healthier, to all of his work helping children and families. He thought he could change the world, and he did. That memory challenges us all to try and do the same.
When we were expecting our first child and trying to come up with baby names, we really struggled to find a boy name that felt just right. We finally hit on “James Allen Harrell,” but we told Uncle Jim that we immediately realized that we couldn’t use that name because it was already "taken." He said “oh, I don’t know, I kind of like that name. I don’t think there could ever be too many James Allen Harrells.” Absolutely right.
With our love and prayers for peace in all of our lives,
Trey, Susan, and Mary Frances Harrell
Paul Kirisitz
September 18, 2003
To Jim's family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on Jim's passing. I had the privilege of working with Jim during his years in ACYF. He was a person I admired and respected - low key in his approach, but firm in his manner (when needed). He had a sense of humor that made you chuckle, was very approachable (notable given his position as Deputy Commissioner), and was a person I considered to be my friend even though we didn't see that much of each other. Jim was someone you wanted to help out when he needed something, and you always felt good about it afterwards. We missed him when he retired, and he will be missed now, but with very fond memories. My prayers are with you, and him.
Greg Harrell
September 18, 2003
How lucky I am to have had Jimmy as an uncle. I will miss his kindess, his wisdom, his sense of humor, and his patient and calm way. He has been and will continue to be a great role model. My love and prayers to Sam, Molly, and Marion. He loved each of you dearly.
Rebecca Davis
September 18, 2003
I have known Jim since 1997, which is not so long, yet I feel like I have known him all my life. This is the person that he is. I met Jim in Romania as we joined together to try to improve children's lives, as he has done much of his life. He has been an inspiration to me to continue to pursue work in this area. I feel Jim in my heart: his smile, his warmth, and his strong faith. We have an unfinished project that we proposed together (he continued to remind me of that during his last months). He has inspired me to perservere as we make our way on this earth and face situations and people that are troubling. I want to make this project happen as a tribute to him.
Marion Harrell
September 18, 2003
Everyone who met Jim knew he was a special guy. To illustrate, did you know that the photo of Jim in the death notice is from an office holiday party? But not a regular party. Jim helped organize folks to bring in used toys and spend the party time cleaning them, so they could be used by a charity. The original photo has Jim in his top hat with a little wooden pull cart in his hand. If anyone would like a copy of the original, let me know. Marion (his wife)
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