James J. Harden

On Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, our world changed forever. Surrounded by his adoring family, James J. Harden left this world bravely and peacefully in the arms of the angels. 

Jim was the most loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, godfather, cousin and friend. Jim was a true family man. Family was everything to Jim. Everything he did in this world was to make it a better place. We were so very fortunate to be able to celebrate his 70th birthday with a surprise party held on Aug. 11, 2018.

Jim was born to loving parents, Willard and Martha Rushton Harden, on Aug. 12, 1948, in Wilkes-Barre. He was lucky enough to have a nurturing mother. He was the apple of his mother's eye. He adored her and would often be found chatting with her at 5 a.m. before he started his day. He was blessed with a sister, Henrietta Gallagher, who lives in Wilkes-Barre, and brother, Vincent Harden, who resides in North Carolina. 

Jim was a graduate of GAR High School, Class of 1966. Jim began to leave notes in desk for this pretty girl that he saw at school. Jim was finally able to connect with this dark-haired, dark-eyed girl 1964 at a school dance-her name: Anna H. Verdekal.

They shared their first kiss in the courtyard of GAR and there their love story began. She still remembers the butterflies she felt. He was her "Heights Hoodlum." During Christmas of 1966, Jim whispered  "Anna, marry me. I promise, you will never regret it." How could she resist? Of course, she said yes and kiss me again.

Jim went on to proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a cook for the crew aboard the USS Vermillion AKA 107 from 1966 to 1968.

Jim began to work for Anna's father, James R. Verdekal Sr., who owned the roofing company, JRV Home Improvement. Jim had a deep love and respect for his father-in-law, Jim "Mr. V." and was always grateful that he gave him the ability to make a living with his own two hands. 

Upon return from the Navy, he went to see "his girl" Anna. He took her into his arms, dipped her in her parent's kitchen and kissed her in front of her whole family. Shortly thereafter, they did the most romantic thing - ran away and eloped to Elkton, Md., on April 12, 1969. His song for her was "I Only Have Eyes for You" by The Flamingos. 

They enjoyed a love like you only read about in books or see in the movies. Their first apartment was in Kingston, and then, a short time later, they moved into a house in Wilkes-Barre. That's where they started their family.

They moved to Cooper Street in Pringle in 1976. Their years there were spent making memories of home cooked dinners, parties galore, Doo Wop music, binge watching Netflix in the winter, decorating the house for the fabulous holidays they shared, lots of singing, going to church, slow dancing in the kitchen on a Friday night, contract writing for the business, spending time with their children and then grandchildren, dressing up for Halloween to hand out candy, his fabulous nut cookies, Motown when you were doing the dishes, going out to dinner on Saturday nights, basketball games, summer swimming, trips to Atlantic City, fireworks, the Pennsylvania lottery, scratch offs with the guys in his crew in the mornings before they began their day, football on Sundays, cookouts, great stories being told at the kitchen table, sometimes tears, laughter, lots of love and admiration, concerts, movies, weddings, music and movie trivia and just happy that they had each other to share it all with. He was a  beloved hero to his family.

Jim owned and operated Harden's Improvements for over 40 years. He was the most respected and reputable roofers in our area. He always said he was lucky that he was able to do something that he loved and got paid to do it. That love showed in not only his work, but in the huge clientele that he enjoyed over the years. You can hardly find a street in this valley that he hasn't worked on.

Although all of his sons worked with him at one time or another, Clinton was by his side for much of those years. Clinton was Jim's right hand man and Jim instilled in him the greatness that can only be taught by someone that has a passion for his craft. 

Jim was known for taking great care of his crew. Wake up calls every morning. Need a ride? "I will pick you up son!" No lunch? "No problem!" Lunch was provided. He was a wonderful father figure, boss and mentor to all that ever worked for him. He was blessed by many great employees over the years. 

In his younger days, Jim was an active member of the Youth Committee of St. Hedwig's Church, which he and his family attended until it's closing. Members of the Youth Committee became great friends and beloved family to him. 

He was a basketball coach to many children that attended St. Hedwig's school. He lent his time and talents to LCP Little League for several years. He was sponsoring teams for his grandchildren most recently.

Jim was a member of St. Mary's of the Immaculate Conception in Wilkes-Barre. Jim had a deep faith that was never tested, but greatly relied upon, during his last month. He told his family "God must need me somewhere else."

We are grateful to the Rev. Father Richard Zavacki for coming and visiting Jim in his final days. The peace he was able to have because of your visit was priceless. He believed that heaven would be just like you imagined it would be. We hope and pray that his heaven is the most magical place ever.

Jim always had a great big grin on his face and was always in a good mood. If he said, "call me Mr. Lucky Lucky" you knew he hit on the lottery.  

He was genuinely happy with the little things in life. He always had a kind word and a warm hug for his wife, children and grandchildren. The sun rose and set on his grandchildren. They were his everything. He loved his family and was filled with immense pride that he could be so giving to them all.

He had a true love for music. He passed this love of music onto his children and, best of all, his grandchildren. He could often be found singing from the rooftops of his jobs. He was respected and loved by everyone that he ever had the pleasure of knowing. He always treated everyone with kindness and respect. He taught his family to have patience and good things will come.

He was someone you were proud to know and a man that you would always strive to be like. He will be forever missed and our lives will never be the same without him. He was "simply the best! Better than all the rest!" - Tina Turner (He loved her and her legs.)

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his sister, Henrietta; brother, Vince; his girl, his partner in everything, loving wife and best friend, Anna H. Verdekal Harden; son, James J. Harden Jr.; his companion, Tracy Kleban and his children, James, Raven, Jay, Hannah and Piper Harden; daughter, Noreen Mitchell; her children, John Mitchell and Jessica Shields and her husband, Matthew Shields; son, Clinton Harden, his son, Jacob Colleran, and step-children, Jenna and James Geiger; son, Matthew Harden and his wife, Yurii Harden; their son, Maximus and step-children, Scott and Payton Safka, and daughter, Sa'Raya Harden; her companion, Benjamin Kitchen and her sons, Andrew and Victor Harden; his partner and amigo, Tommy Williams - "I love you, my friend, and farewell."

The Harden family would like to thank the staff at Geisinger, Bear Creek, Floor 3, West Cancer Ward (farewell, Christina) and 5th floor Telemetry staff for their wonderful care and kindness that you showed to Jim.

We would like to thank the staff of Erwine Hospice, most of all Linda, Mark, Cheryl and Joyce. Because of your assistance, Jim was able to come home and be cared for by his family in the house that he loved. 

Thank you for all the prayers, calls, cards, texts, food and visits from our much loved friends, family and neighbors. We are humbled by the love that has been shown to our family, and your kindness will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday from Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerbey Ave., Kingston, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary's of the Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery, Pringle.

Friends may call Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 7 to 9 p.m.