James Arnold Harmon

About

Morehead State University University of South Florida

James Harmon Obituary

HARMON James Arnold Harmon, passed away December 29, 2013 at his home in Dade City, Florida after a lengthy illness. Jim was born July 22, 1929 in Inez, Kentucky, as one of twelve children. Jim was an outstanding basketball player while attending Inez High School and Pikeville Junior College, winning many honors and scholarship offers at both. He was also inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame at Pikeville. Following his attendance there he proudly served four years in the Navy before earning his Master's degree in Education Administration from Morehead State University. He was a member of the Marion Hale Masonic Lodge 672 of Inez, Kentucky. Jim started his career as an educator in a one-room schoolhouse. He finished his career of 35 years at South Franklin Elementary where he was principal for 20 years. At his retirement in 1984, the school was renamed to James A. Harmon Elementary in his honor. After his retirement he traveled extensively with Veroncia, visiting both sons and their families stationed overseas in the Army. While abroad, he returned to education teaching in Panama and Germany with the Department of Defense Schools. His greatest love was his family that he cherished until death. The mention of any of their names never failed to bring a smile to his face. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Veroncia; two sons and daughters-in-law, James Terry (Susan), and Steven Daniel (Kim). He is also survived by five grandchildren, Valerie Hammen (Jay), Adam Harmon, Pamela Kucinsky (Joe), Sarah Harmon, and Mathias Harmon; four great-grandchildren, Cadence Hammen, Kellyn Wingrove, Dane Hammen, and Lainey Hammen; and his sister, Lucia H. Endicott. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Bertha Parsley Harmon, ten brothers and sisters, and his grandson Dane Kauffman Harmon. Private services were conducted at Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. There will be a memorial service held in his honor at Beavercreek Baptist Church, 3511 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio, 45431. Visiting hours will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., followed by the service at 1 p.m. The family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dane K. Harmon Memorial Scholarship fund at the University of South Florida. Please contact Valerie Harmon Hammen at [email protected] for information.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Harmon

13 Entries

Shelly James (Buck)

February 4, 2013

I had him as a principal when I went to South Franklin. He was tough but kind. He was one to measure all others against. Sorry for your loss. He was truly a great man.

Richard Hoffman

January 14, 2013

im so sorry for your loss...he was a great man and a great mentor...really enjoyed knowing him when i went to South Franklin.Rest in peace my friend and God Bless the family.

Lenn Turner

January 12, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Harmon's passing. He and I go way back (1972) and he gave me my first teaching job. He mentored me to be a principal and then I was priviledged to be his colleague and then several years after he left South Franklin aka Harmon Elementary, I was able to return for seven years as principal. He taught me so much that I can never express my appreciation. Bless his family for giving him to us and especially at this time. Veroncia was also my son's principal at Monterey Elementary. My condolences go out to her and take heart in knowing that he touched so many lives.

Lynn (Patton) Burgett

January 12, 2013

I'm very sorry for your family's loss. Mr.Harmon was principal at South Franklin Elementary when I attended in the 60s, and I remember him as a very nice man. For all of us "Westside" kids, we've lost another wonderful "Landmark" from our past, but we will always have the memories from our early childhood days. Mr.Harmon was a big part of that time in our lives. God Bless.

Paul Sheppard

January 12, 2013

Prayers for the family and for all who loved Mr Harmon.
I truly share in your sorrow, for I knew Mr Harmon to be a fair and kind principal and person.
I attended South Franklin from 68-73 and my dad died in '70, while I was in second grade. Mr. Harmon took it upon himself, to talk with me regularly and gave me little chores to help around the school. Even as a seven year old child, I knew what he was doing and appreciated it, as much now as I did then. He will always be remembered fondly from me. RIP Mr. Harmon and I hope to see you again, someday.

Linda Hall Lanam

January 11, 2013

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Harmons passing. He came to Harmon a couple of years after I left. It was South Franklin when I attended. We even have a South Franklin facebook page for all of those who attended the school regardless of when. Everyone always speaks kindly of Mr. Harmon. Prayers to the family from all of us who had wonderful memories at Harmon Elementary.

Janet Geswein

January 11, 2013

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Harmon's passing. He was a remarkable man and I had the privilege of working for him at South Franklin ( Harmon Elementary). You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet Geswein

January 10, 2013

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Harmon's passing.
He was one of my 7th & 8th grade teachers and basketball coach at Prairie Norton in the late 50's. I especially remember the field trip he arranged, to meet the OSU Big 10 Basketball Champions with Fred Taylor at St. Johns Arena.
Many of us learned a lot about growing up from Mr. Harmon.
He was a wonderful teacher, coach and human being.

Hadley Hall
Orient, Ohio

Eddie & Betty Allen

January 10, 2013

Eddie and I have wonderful memories of Inez High School many years ago, both of you were teachers and went on Eddie's Senior Trip to Washington, DC. Life is fun of great times, may God's Blessings be with all of you. Eddie and Betty (Ward) Allen

January 10, 2013

Veroncia, Terry, Steve, and families,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. We have lots of very fond memories from Lake Erie and Florida. We will treasure them always. We are thinking of you.

Claudia, Andy and family

Beverly Wakeland-Kaiser

January 10, 2013

Mr. Harmon was the principal while I attended South Franklin in the 1960's. He was a very nice person. RIP Mr. Harmon.

debby Harmon-Poe

January 6, 2013

Veroncia and family, I was very sad to hear of Arnold's passing. I have very fond memories of you both as neighbors and relatives. I hope your happy memories help you get through this sad time. Hugs and prayers - Debby Harmon [Poe]

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results