James grew up on the Texas/New Mexico Border near the town of Texico, NM. His family farmed in that area for over a 100 years.
James served in the Navy during the Korean War. He graduated from NM State with degrees in Soils Science and Psychology. He was a dedicated Principal, teacher and counselor in several schools around NM. He was also a professor at New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) for several years.
He Married Carol Windham in 1995 and they ranched in Callahan County for 20 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Barney and Virgie Harding of Texico, NM and a daughter Tana Shulla of Las Cruces, NM. He is survived by his wife Carol Windham of Abilene, TX. His sister Mary Bynum of Spokane, WA, his sons Kent Harding of Smithville, TX, Eric Harding of Phoenix, AZ, Wade Champion of Austin, TX, and his daughter Amy Windham of Seattle, WA., His grandchildren, Lexi and Brittany Shulla of Phoenix, AZ, Henry, Hamish, and Ginger Harding, of the Gold Coast, Australia, Veronica Harding of Smithville, TX. Austin, Samantha, Allyson, Amanda, Sydney and Sabrina Harding, of Phoenix, AZ. Kyle Champion of Austin, TX, and Blaen and Straley Windham of Seattle, WA.
A visitation will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 S., Abilene, TX on Monday March 5, 2018 from 5-8pm.
A graveside service will be held at Texico Cemetery in Texico, NM on Wednesday March 7, 2018 at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Texico High School Attn: James Harding Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 237, Texico, NM 88135.
