Age 74 of Lake Worth, FL passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2022. James was born in Alliance, Ohio. He will be sadly missed by: wife, Karen; son, Christopher Harsh (wife, Alice); daughter, Shelly Harsh-Fanelli; sister, Connie Robertson (husband, Don); three grandchildren, James Fanelli “The Punk”, Logan Harsh and Hailey Harsh.
James, Jim or “Big Jim” was a Palm Beach County Auto Icon. He was known as “The Overlord of Recycling Center”. After his marriage to Karen in 1968, Jim started his work career in Ohio with computers at the Diebold Company. Ironically, he needed his children or grandchildren to help him with all electronic devices. Later his family moved to Florida where he and his father-in-law, William Everett built an auto salvage empire. Jim impressed people with his height, smile, guns, or “tow” tally entertaining humor. After selling the business to “retire” he found a new interest in Real Estate. Jim found a new way to connect with people and put smiles on their faces. He never missed an opportunity to make an inappropriate joke, tell a story or help a friend. He loved old movies like John Wayne westerns which was only surpassed by travel and spending time with family. Jim’s other passions besides old cars, was to make his wife, children and grandchildren uncomfortable. His heart never left Ohio and there was always a soft spot for his sister Connie – who he always admired and harassed any chance he could get. To know Jim was to love him and if you didn’t, he had no qualms in saying “#*?^%!”.
