John Phillip Harkins Jr., was born January 11, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late John Phillip Harkins Sr. and Althea Joan Cadwalader Harkins. He graduated from Murrell Dobbins Career & Technical Education High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
From the start, his working life reflected both discipline and versatility. He was a linotype operator for John C. Myers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before moving to Shreveport, Louisiana in the summer of 1978. He worked in construction building homes, worked at St. Catherine's where his children attended school, and later worked at Kast metals, leaving when the company closed in 1982. He also worked at Roadway Express freight as a supervisor, and for many years served as a supervisor at Morton- Thiokol in Minden, Louisiana—roles that suited his reliability, work ethic, and ability to handle whatever needed doing. He was known for showing up, seeing things through, and taking quiet satisfaction in work done well.
Outside of work, John found joy in the things that made life feel full: attending NASCAR races with his son-in-law, Pat; cheering faithfully for the Phillies, Eagles, and the Flyers; and enjoying Celtic music and River dancing. He was proud of his Celtic and Irish roots, and that pride carried through in the way he embraced the culture and spirit that connected him to those who came before him. He also loved working with his hands—building, making, and fixing—bringing patience and care to whatever he set out to do. Above all, his greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John died peacefully on May 6, 2026 in Marshall, Texas at the age of 78. His life was defined by steady devotion, capable hands and deep pride in the people and traditions he held close. He will be truly missed and always remembered.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Phillip Harkins Sr.; his mother, Althea Joan Cadwalader Harkins Virtue; his daughter, Lisa Marie Harkins Duvall; his grandchild, Anthony Michael Duvall; his son-in-law, Patrick Lee Richardson; his brothers, William Harkins, Gary Harkins, Joseph Harkins Sr., and Thomas Harkins; his nephew, Gary "Gus" Harkins; and his great nephew, Joseph Harkins III.
Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Linda Bell and Harry Harkins; his son, John Phillip Harkins III and wife, Melissa; daughters, Antoinette Carol Harkins and Nanci Teresa Harkins-Richardson; his grandchildren, Nichole Elizabeth Duvall, Kimberly Brooke Emig and husband, Andrew, Madison Rose Harkins, John Phillip Harkins IV and wife, Sadie, Dominic Joseph Duvall, and Elisabeth Marie Richardson; his great-grandchildren, Preston Luke Emig, Lincoln Hark Emig, Hudson Baer Emig, Annaliese Ruth Emig, Lawson Phillip Harkins, and Liam James Harkins. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
John will be laid to rest at Forest Hills in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania.
“May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back.”
