of Harrison, AR
May 14, 1933 - July 2, 2022
James Riley Harness Jr., age 89, of Harrison, Arkansas passed away Saturday, July 2, 2022. He was born Sunday, May 14, 1933, in Marshall, Arkansas, the youngest of 8 children of James Riley and Melinda (Turney) Harness Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Earl, Clifford, Troy, Perry, Reva, and Roy Harness. He is survived by his sister, Veda "Jo" Smith.
James served in the U.S. Army from 1954 -1956 as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division. He was stationed in Japan with the Military Police. After returning home from service, James settled in Harrison and made a career selling shoes and boots. He was known for his radio spots that always ended in his trademark phrase "located in beautiful Downtown Harrison". He was a talented artist, whose paintings of horses, wildlife, and local scenery can be found in homes and businesses locally and beyond. His tomato gardens were legendary. James served faithfully as the song leader for many years at Southern Hills Missionary Baptist Church where he attended every time the doors were opened and his body was able. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his gentle nature, but most importantly, for the legacy of faith that he left his family through his example.
James was a devoted husband, father, and Papa, and leaves behind a large family that eagerly awaits meeting him again one day in Heaven. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara (Edmonson) Harness, and their three daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Bob Parkhill, Paula and Chris Adams, and Penny and Jim Little. James is also survived by five grandchildren, Kristin (Todd) Dooley, Erica (Andy) Cason, Luke (Whitney) Adams, Jacob (Tess) Little, and Jackson Little; and eight great-grandchildren, Jenna, Morgan and Jake Dooley, Ty and Josie Cason, Camden and Layne Adams and Ellie Little, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The funeral service was Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Woodland Baptist Church with Chris Adams officiating.
Visitation was Thursday until service time. Open Visitation was held Wednesday, July 6, 2022.
The interment was in Maplewood Cemetery in Harrison, Arkansas.
Pallbearers were Luke Adams, Jacob Little, Jackson Little, Todd Dooley, Andy Cason, and Craig Harness.
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24 Condolence(s)
Diana Rice
Saturday, July 9, 2022
I'm so sorry for your loss. Having worked at Shelby's for many years, next door to James, there's lots of memories, lots of laughs.
Sending all of you hugs, many prayers as well.....
Sincerely,
Diana
Karen Treadwell
Thursday, July 7, 2022
So sorry to hear this news. He was a wonderful man. I have fond memories of him from my childhood.
Rogenia Sharp
Thursday, July 7, 2022
Barbara, Pam, Paula and Penny, thinking of you all James was one of a kind always had a smile on his face and his laugh could be heard from the back of the store all the way to the front. Hugs and prayers
Barbara John’s
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
James , John Newton & I shared the same table every art class night with Nova Gresham. Good years of fun , watching talent in the making. I managed to purchase one of his paintings. I will treasure it always as I did our friendship. Prayers and comfort to all love ones.
Judy Smith
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
My condolences to Barbara and the family on the loss of a husband,father,Grandfather May our heavenly father give you the strength to get through this very sad time.
......Judy Stephenson Smith
Polly Hodges
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Paula, Chris, Luke and family
That’s a great picture of James! His smile just brings out a smile in all of us. He was a gentle giant who befriended so many! You are blessed with wonderful memories and an inward peace knowing you’ll meet again!
My prayers are for all of you at this time.
Polly
The Bob Estes family
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Barbara and family
We're thinking of you at this difficult time. Be comforted knowing you will join him in heaven one day.
God bless all of you.
Bob, Joann and family
James L. Breece
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
My heartfelt sympathy to Barb and family.
Tommy and Jo Ann Tice
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
We will miss seeing his kind eyes and warm smile. He was a friend to all and Harrison is a lesser place without him in it.
Tommy Eldridge
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
A very good man. You will be missed. Prayers for the family.
Jan and Jim Caldwell
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers.
Sharon Wengel
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
So sorry to hear about James R . Sending up prayers for Barbara and the girls, and all the family.
Tim and Sherry Wilson
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
May the Lord wrap his arms around the family and give you all comfort, peace and strength you need to get through this difficult time. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalms 34:18
Shirley J. Gray
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Sharon Howard
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of James R. I will never forget working for him at the “Family Shoe Storeâ€. I was in the 11th grade when I started there. I must say, I learned how to sell shoes and boots, I had the best teacher! He would call me Sheree because we had another Sharon working at the store and that name stuck with me forever. James R would send me to Harold’s Bakery every Friday morning for doughnuts, and yes I would drive his 72 Chevy truck!
Thank you so much for allowing me to share my sweet memories about JR. I know he will be missed but know he is rejoicing in Heaven. Barb and your dear family are in my prayers.
Bill Boswell
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of James passing. He and I shared bunches of stories during my time at KHOZ.
My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Bob and Lisa Massengale
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Our hearts and prayers go out to Barbara, Pam, Paula, Penny and family! Mr Harness was an amazing man who always had a smile and joke. Such a wonderful person!
Jeff & Paulette Jech
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
May God give you peace & comfort during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Roland and Linda Choate
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms Barbara and all the Harness family. Mr Harness was a great man and we always enjoyed his sense of humor and kindness. He has put shoes on all of our feet beginning with mine. He will be missed. We love all of you.
Marvin & Lisa Holt
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
So sad to hear this... this wonderful man was a pillar of our little part of the state and his work will remain to remind us all of his presence. His painting continues to hang proudly in our home. He has been sorely missed from the boot store for a while now, but he can rest easy knowing his work here has been done. RIP Mr. Harness! Prayers to all of the family from the Holt family... Marvin, Lisa, Matt, Lauren, Adelee, Katherine, Michael, Kayce and Marcia.
fred t woehl
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
James will be missed. Always enjoyed talking to him when seeing him at the store and other places. Prayers for the family.
Cheryl Marshall
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Prayers for strength during your time of grief. Hope our Lord Jesus will soon walk among us. No tears in Heaven.
Rita Stephenson Mahannah
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
May God Bless your Family during this time of sorrow!
The Grant and Lettie Taylor Family
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
On behalf of my brothers and sister I would like to send prayers and love to Barbara and family. James has sold our dad many pairs of boots over the years and always was very kind, he will be missed.