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James Harkess Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Harkess
Beverly Moseley
March 20, 2025
Dr. Harkess was a great man and a great employer. He gave me a job where I could do chart dictation in the evenings. It really meant a lot to me to learn from someone so intelligent plus I really needed the income at the time. He was always so concerned about the children and he loved to repair their club feet so they could walk properly. I know there must be a special place in heaven for him for all the good he gave to so many in his orthopedic career. The world is better because he lived! What a great man!
Russell Clarke MD
March 21, 2022
Perhaps the kindest, most entertaining, best educated, most stimulating physician instructor I ever met. I owe my orthopedic education and career to "the Boss". God bless you.
Ring Tsai
November 13, 2006
Dr. Harkess will always be in my heart. He was a great physician and a great man. He is loved by everyone and will be greatly missed by our family.
Teresa Richardson-Jones
November 4, 2006
Dr Harkess was the best.He will be missed.As a former patient I know if it was not for his experience and his kindness,I might not have been able to achieve what I have today.my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jim Buchholz
November 3, 2006
Doris and I were shocked and saddened by the message we received late yesterday from Tom Reichert about Dr. Harkess's passing. Unfortunately we are in California now and regret not being able to be with you. Like so many of his former residents and their families, the "Boss" had a special place in our hearts and minds. He was a wonderful doctor and a special teacher who clearly understood the value of education by example. He taught me much more than orthopedics. His example of humble leadership and true care and love for his family, patients and students is a path I have tried to emulate. Frequently I would ask myself "what would Dr. Harkess do in this situation?". He may no longer be with us here but his spirit is truly living in those whose lives he so gently touched during his time on earth.He defines the words gentle man to me. Our sorrow, sympathy, and prayers accompany you during these difficult times.
Love, Doris and Jim Buchholz
Audra Matthews, assistant to Dr. Jim Harkess
November 3, 2006
I'm sure Dr. Harkess would be proud to know that he passed to his son (Dr. Jim Harkess) many of these great qualities everyone is mentioning. Apparently, he is the source of inheritance for his son's penmanship quirks, too. Dr. Jim Harkess is highly thought of by his patients and staff here at Campbell Clinic. The Harkess family is in our prayers.
Jacquie and Richard Clarke
November 3, 2006
I remember fondly our last telephone conversation. We hadn't spoken for years...many moves by us.It was such a pleasure talking and catching up.
Our thoughts are with you, Jan, and your family.
Jacquie and Rich (Clarke)
Rodger Funderburg, MD
November 2, 2006
Dr. Jim Harkess... your friends and colleagues at Metropolitan Anesthesia Alliance, PLLC (Germantown, TN) are saddened by the news of your father's passing. You and your family will be in our prayers. We will be sending $ 1,000 in memory of your father to The Healing Place (Louisville, KY).
Marcia Ray
November 2, 2006
I also met Dr. Harkess as a new RN, at Jewish Hosptial in 1981. His gentle spirit and kind words helped me grow as nurse and as a person. I will always remember his beautiful hand writing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Arvin & Sue Lange
November 2, 2006
We wish to express our sympathy to Jan and the family.
We know you are grateful for your life with Dr Harkess, and we feel fortunate to have known him for many years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Terry Foster
November 2, 2006
Jim was first my teacher, later my friend, and always my mentor. A fine man with a tremendous sense of humor and a awe-inspiring grasp of the history and practice of medicine.
Norma Johnston
November 2, 2006
I will always remember DR. Harkess as a kind and thoughtfull gentleman.It was my pleasure to serve as his dental hygienist for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will all miss him at Dr. Paul Brooks office. God Bless, Norma Johnston
Kathy Cecil Gardner
November 2, 2006
I met Dr. Harkess in 1978 at Jewish Hospital. I was a new RN on the orthopaedic unit and he became my teacher, mentor, father and friend. I learned so much about orthopaedics and life from him. He carried himself with grace and dignity. He always encouraged and supported my excitement and love of orthopaedic nursing . He has touched so many lives all around the world. I am so blessed to have known and loved him. My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Harkess and their children. I'll cherish my memories of him forever.
Pat Bevens
November 2, 2006
My family & I wish to express our deepest sympathy and offer our prayers to the family at this time of sorrow. Dr. Harkess, along with Dr Ramsey, took care of me & my husband in 1980 following a serious accident. I will always be grateful for the care & compassion we received from Dr. Harkess during this time. I also have many good memories of Dr. Harkess while working with him on the ortho unit at Jewish Hospital. We will miss him.
Linda Thomas, Orthopedic Unit Secretary
November 2, 2006
Our years of service at Jewish Hospital were enhanced by knowing this great professsional and humanitarian - Dr.Harkess will be missed by many.Our prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Janice Wimberley, ER Secretary
Scott Mendel
November 2, 2006
My prayers to your family. I still remember several years ago watching Dr. Harkess write out my fathers medical instructions in his calligraphy with all the care and patience that he used when at his bedside. He was a wonderful friend and physician and we will miss him.
Anne Ehrman Monell
November 2, 2006
I have many fond memories of Dr. Harkess. I especially liked getting prescriptions from him because they were written in calligraphy! He was a dear, wonderful man and I'm glad that I knew him. You are in my prayers.
Karon Green-Mitchell
November 2, 2006
I was his patient over 25 yrs ago and I still remember how kind he was each time I saw him. May God Bless the Family during this time.
Mary Anne Dearing
November 2, 2006
My daughter was a patient of Dr. Harkess at Kosair Hosp. He did so
much to make her what she is today.
He used her as a model to teach other students several times. He
was truely a great physician. He
will be remembered by many. How sad
his life ended so tragicly. Thanks
for everything.
Matthew Schad
November 2, 2006
I knew Dr. Harkess as an honorable adversary in many court cases over the years. Although we often disagreed professionally, I always admired his integrity and fighting spirit. I respect him for a life well-lived and mourn his passing.
Kelly Lacer
November 2, 2006
My symphathies to the Harkess family. You have lost a wonderful man and we have lost an excellant physician. I was a patient of his in the 70's and 80's. You can never know what he did for me. To him I would say Thank You for it all. He was such a delight to know and I always loved to hear his accent! We will all miss him greatly.
Rose and Wendell Tyson
November 2, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Robin Smith Bertucci
November 2, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Peter and Pam Kirsch
November 2, 2006
Our deepest sympathy. Jim has always been a very special person; with his wonderful sense of humor, unending knowledge and obvious compassion, you couldn't help but love him. He holds a very special place in our hearts as Jim is the reason that Peter made his home and professional life in Louisville.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam and Peter Kirsch
Mrs Wanda Boyd
November 2, 2006
My prayers and Blessing go out to the Family of Dr Harkass, I will never forget him,my husband was involved in and accident in 1982 and Dr Harkass was his doctor for about 5 yrs along with Dr Ramsey, my husband had so much respect for him,my husband always teased him about where he got his shoes he always explain to my husband that he got his fancy shoes I believe he said some where in Texas.He was one great doctor and right now he is getting to set along with the greatiest doctor ther' is Jesus which he sure deserves that seat cause he is one admired and great doctor hisself which we have ever meet, he will surely be miss by all that knew him
James Wells
November 2, 2006
I was a patient of Dr. Harkess....What a wonderful, kind man. I can only imagine the amount of people he touched and made there lives better. May God Bless You and Your family.
Jim Wells
nancy reisinger
November 2, 2006
I first met Dr. Harkess in 1986, when I took my 5yr old son to him. He did surgery on him several times. My son just adored him. He will always be in our hearts, and his family in our prayers. Thank you Dr. Harkess for everything you done for us. God bless you
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