James was Born on September 17, 1935 in Plainview, Texas. He Is the son of the late Robert Harlin and Dora Mae. His family moved to Pueblo, Colorado when James was about 7 years old. James' father died when he was 13, and to help provide income for his family during this difficult time he worked at the local newspaper folding papers for the day's delivery. During the summers, he would travel to the Dakotas and Northern Colorado to help his Uncle Sam during harvest season
James received a scholarship from the University of Colorado but he later opted instead to Join the Marines in 1955. He attended Marine basics in Camp Pendleton California and concluded his training in Jacksonville Florida. In 1956, James was stationed at Millington air base in Tennessee where he met his future bride, Carolyn Rebecca (Becky) Moore on a blind date. He volunteered to be an Embassy Marine Guard where he was sent on a 22-month commitment to London England. James truly enjoyed the Marine life. Keeping in touch with Becky, he convinced her to fly to England where they were married on September 12th 1959.
James and Becky returned to the states later in 1959, ending up in Massachusetts. Despite his desire, a career with the Marines that was not to be and he went back to earn a degree from North Eastern University. While in Massachusetts James worked for the BOSE Corporation and in 1976 accepted a position in Saudi Arabia working for ARAMCO. After 12 years with ARAMCO James worked on many Oil projects across the world living in places such as Kuwait, Iraq, Italy, Illinois, Mississippi, Africa, and Houston. He was a worldwide traveler circling the Globe several times. James loved to work and stay busy until he finally retired at the age of 78. James' other interests included golfing, gardening, working with bonsai trees, traveling and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Taylor; his son, Richard; his daughters, Jan Taylor and Deborah Palastra; and seven grandchildren, Lindsey, Erin, Matthew, Miriam, Sam, Sarah, and Ben.
A memorial service will be held for James on Saturday November 23, 2019 at 11 am at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home followed by a short reception in the Southwestern Room in the funeral home.
