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1937 - 2013
 Jim Harless,of Huntington, WV was a devoted husband and father, community servant, and educator - a living legend upon his retirement after 32 years as MUs Director of Admissions. He was born November 27, 1937 and died November 7th, 2013, Jim resided in Kanawha, Boone, Logan and Cabell counties. He holds degrees from Morris Harvey/UC, (BA), Marshall U., (MA), and WVU/Nova U., (EdD). Jim first worked as a Counselor at Man High School, and was the first Director of Logans Southern WV Community College. Honored as the Outstanding Young Teacher in Logan County in 1960, Jim later received the Outstanding Service Award in Higher Education in WV from the American College Testing Program (ACT) in 1986. Jim served on the ACT Board of Trustees from 1988-1991, traveling extensively through the USA. He had leadership roles in many WV higher education and counseling boards and committees. With MU, he visited over 400 high schools, contacted more than 300,000 students, and traveled over 570,000 miles. Following MU retirement, Dr. Jim became a Presbyterian Commissioned Lay Pastor, preaching around the state and serving the Kenova Presbyterian Church for 10 years. He was also Moderator of the Presbytery of WV, and served in various leadership roles in the Presbytery. He volunteered his time as President of the Huntington Optimist Club, as a Sunday School teacher, elder and choir member at Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church, and in many other musical and community service roles. Jim had a beautiful voice, singing publicly from age 5 throughout his life. His hearty laugh could bring joy anywhere. Jim loved the hills and mountains of WV and worked to maintain and preserve ancestral family property and cemeteries in Boone County; he was a supporter of the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition. He was truly a gentle soul .
Jim leaves behind a great many loved ones, including his beloved wife of nearly 54 years, Harriet A. Javins Harless; his daughter Robin L. Harless Blakeman and son, Daniel J. Harless (wife Becki Goheen Harless); grandchildren Anna G. Blakeman, Daniel Joey , Madalyn G. and Marshall C. Harless; 14 nieces and nephews, 3 sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law. Close family members already deceased are his brother, Bernard Harless, Jr, his sister Lou Ella Harless Burnside, his parents Grace Bradshaw Harless and Bernard Harless, Sr., and his wifes aunt, Edith E. Javins.
A service celebrating Jims life will be held at Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church, 469 Norway Ave, Huntington, 25705, Dec. 1 at 3:00, led by Rev. Cinda Harkless, the service will feature music and combined choirs. In lieu of flowers, please bring photos of Jim to share or non-perishable food items. Contributions may also be made to The Beverly Hills Child Care Center or to the Loaves and Fishes food pantry, using the church address. Hall Funeral Home, Proctorville, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements. Anyone who would like to leave on-line condolences may do so at: www.timeformemory.com/hall .
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There are currently 10 condolences.
George Dials
Pgdialsnm@aol.com
Sunday December 1, 2013 at
8:49 PM
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Mr. Harless was a major contributor to my success in gaining the first ever appointment to attend West Point by a graduate of Man High School in 1963. He was a constant os encouragement and support as the MHS guidance counselor and changed an enriched my life. I am forever grateful for his assistance and am saddened by his death. I express my sincere sympathy to his family and pray that God now holds him in His warm embrace. George E Dials
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Mike Jones
Mikejones70@gmail.com
Tuesday November 26, 2013 at
1:26 PM
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Dear Harless family,
Mr. Harless was my counselor at Man High School in 1963. Words that he spoke to me during that time encouraged me in my educational pursuits and in my personal life. I had contact with him 25 years ago as I thanked him for his input into my life. We hold in common our faith in The Lord Jesus Christ and I have also been a pastor for the past 40 years. Words he spoke to me back then echo deep within my soul to this very day. I will look forward to seeing him again in glory with our Savior. May God comfort you in your temporary loss.
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Linda S. Holmes
Monday November 25, 2013 at
4:01 PM
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Dear Harriette and family, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to each of you. Jim was a wonderful person and I feel so blessed to have worked with him at Marshall. We traveled over many miles to visit MU alums and engage them to help wih recruitment of students. Harriette you were with us many time, too. He never met a stranger and was always so upbeat. My life has been blessed because of him being in it. He is at peace. With fondness, Linda Holmes
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Larry Reeves
larryreeves@suddenlink.net
Monday November 25, 2013 at
2:13 PM
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I had told Jim personally in the past, but I again want to thank him on this page so that his family may know: Thank you for your help at Man High School. He was my English teacher and later my counselor. I talked to him once in his office at Marshall during a friendly visit. With Jim's guidance I did manage to go to college. I now wish I had contacted him again to let him know that partially with his influence I have completed three novels that are published.
Larry Reeves / Man High School Class of 1962
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mitzi ross
Monday November 25, 2013 at
7:59 AM
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Mr. Harless was a wonderful encouragement to all he came in contact with. He was very caring and touched the lives of many students and family members. God bless the family with fond memories and strength to carry on his legacy.
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Francis Holton
Sunday November 24, 2013 at
9:06 PM
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Mrs. Harless and family,
I met Jim when I was a freshman at Marshall in 1972. I was one of first students to take the CLEP test. For some reason, he took me under his wing while I was attending Marshall. I spent several hours talking to him about many things while I was a student. One thing I remember more than anything was his love of his home in Boone County. Later, after he had gotten his Doctorate, I was introducing him as Dr. Harless. He told me that he was still plain old Jim. I really considered him a friend. I truly believe that God will reward him for all his work here on earth. My prayers for you and your family.
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David Douglass
T65thrush@aol.com
Sunday November 24, 2013 at
8:00 PM
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So sorry for your loss. Remember him well from the Simpson Drive days.
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Linda Harshbarger
Sunday November 24, 2013 at
12:46 PM
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In 1972, I wanted to attend Marshall as a High School student senior. It hadn't been done yet in my High School. I met with Mr. Harless and he admitted me to MU that day. He gave me a chance - and it changed my life! I will NEVER forget him. I still have the hand-signed letter he sent me - and I treasure it. He was a wonderful man - a truly great man. One could feel that greatness in his presence. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure you will receive many notes like mine over the coming days. He did so much for people and his community.
Linda Harshbarger
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Larry Cartmill
cartmill@gmail.com
Sunday November 24, 2013 at
11:07 AM
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To the Harless family I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was one of the best people that ever lived. I worked with him for over 30 years and during that time we became close personal friends as well. Professionally he was the best...always putting the students first and never turned down a request for help. His assistance to the counselors and school systems will never be matched. I will miss his friendship and our wonderful conversations. Know that he will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
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Gail Hall
Saturday November 23, 2013 at
8:55 PM
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To The Harless Family
Am so saddened to learn of Jim's passing. Had the pleasure of working with him since Southern's inception in 1971. He truly was one outstanding individual and had such concern for students! May God richly bless and comfort you during these and the days ahead.
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