James Lee Harsch

Jim was born on December 29, 1936, in Altamont, Illinois to William and Louise Harsch. He was the youngest of six children. Jim spent his younger years in southern Illinois in the quiet and quaint small towns of Altamont and Findlay, as well as in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Jim graduated from high school at Altamont Community High School in 1954. He then moved to Chicago, the “Windy City.” He began his education as an electrician, which was interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Army on January 12, 1959. His service included a deployment to Korea. Jim completed his military service on January 11, 1961.

After returning home to Chicago, Jim continued his education and became an electrician. He met his beloved wife Mary and they married on March 17, 1962. They lived in Chicago for a short time and eventually moved to Franklin Park, Illinois, where they purchased their first home and raised their three children.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, and they are now reunited in God’s glorious kingdom. Jim is survived by his three children, Timothy Harsch (Gwen), Michael Harsch (Diane) and Kimberly Craddock (Scott) along with his six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Jim loved, more than anything, spending time with his family. He had a quiet strength about him and passed down his small town values of love for his family, fierce loyalty, dedication, generosity and a strong work ethic that will echo for generations to come.

Jim had a passion for the outdoors, traveling, current events, politics, Chicago food, old western films (anything John Wayne), animals (mainly dogs), monitoring the financial markets on a daily basis and playing the poker machines in Laughlin and Las Vegas with his long-time friend Al.

Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and his presence will continue to be felt in the memories we hold in our hearts. Upon reflection in his last days, Jim remarked “I’ve lived a very good life and I have no regrets.”

We love you and will miss you. ♥♥

Donations - Halo Animal Rescue (Phoenix, AZ) or Tunnel to Towers Foundation