James D. “Jim” Harvell, age 89, of Galion died Monday June 7, 2010 in the Emergency Room of the Morrow County Hospital.
He was born on May 10, 1921, the son of the late James and Lillian Mae (Register) Harvell in Leland, North Carolina.
Jim grew up in the Wilmington, North Carolina area where he was the neighborhood marble shooting champion; collecting all the marbles from the local kids.
He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1939, during the 11th grade. His loyal service turned into a career which spanned 21 years, retiring as an AOC (Aviation Ordnance Chief Petty Officer). During World War II he was stationed on aircraft carriers in the Southwest Pacific Theatre, which was under the command of General Douglas MacArthur. His duties included loading bombs onto planes and depth charges on destroyer escorts. After the war he was part of logistic flight crews up and down the east coast.
Upon his retirement from the Navy he became employed by the United States Government in the Civil Service. There he worked observing manufacturing plants, as quality controller.
On August 29, 1951 he married Emma Elizabeth “Betty” Remillard. They had 4 children and were married for 52 years before her passing on September 8, 2003. They enjoyed traveling together and set a goal to visit all 50 states; making it to all but Alaska.
He attended the Vineyard Church in Sunbury.
The children recalled family camping vacations throughout the lower 48 States.
While not much of a “joiner”, Jim did belong to the U.S.S. Intrepid Association, aboard which he was a Plank Owner, or a part of the ship’s first crew.
A huge sports fan, Jim particularly enjoyed football, college basketball, and Little League baseball. His television was always tuned to sports channels.
Jim will be remembered as a product of the Great Depression era; a stoic, self-made man, who understood the importance and value of his family.
He will be missed by his two sons David James Harvell of Hayama, Japan and Brian James Harvell of Jacksonville, Florida; two daughters Dawn J. (Harvell) Addison and her husband Rev. W. Daniel of Galion and Brenda Anne Harvell of Mansfield; seven grandchildren Michelle Harvell, Naomi Harvell, Dustin Harvell, Holden Harvell, Paige (Addison) Rohe and her husband Dan, Joel Daniel Addison, and Zachary William Addison; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his three sisters Margaret Rooks, Donnie Mae Brew, and Ruby Lucille Lane; and his brother William Earl Harvell.
Friends may call on the family on Friday June 11, 2010 from 5-7 PM at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Craven Chapel, 67 North Main Street, Mount Gilead. Funeral services will be held there on Saturday at 11:00 AM with his son-in-law, Rev. W. Daniel Addison officiating. Burial with full military honors conducted by the V.F.W. Post #8054 and the AmVets Post #97 will follow in Iberia Cemetery.
For those wishing to express their condolences to Jim’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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