Obituary of James L. Harman

January 25, 1940 - January 4, 2026

James L. Harman, 85, of Ivanhoe, passed away January 4, 2025.

Born in Baytown, Texas, to Thomas and Mattie Harman, he married Katherine Depew on December 15, 1978. He worked in the chemical plants as an operator. After retirement, he and Katherine moved to Ivanhoe, where they built a life and made many friends. He was often found working in his workshop, where he built crosses that he gave away with the message of salvation. They were longtime members of the Hillister Assembly of God Church, where his love was not only shown for his Lord and Savior but also for the church and his church family.

James served as the Ivanhoe Fire Department Chief for many years. He was instrumental in helping to build the helipad, along with a new building and equipment.

James was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Earl Harman; mother, Mattie Stacher Harman; stepdaughter, Kimberly Duncan; siblings, Perla Lee, Cecil, Peanut, Jake, Charlie, Gene Christine, and Bobby.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Katherine Depew Harman; sons, Kenneth Harman and wife, Paula; daughter, Natalie Shull and husband, Michael; grandsons, Jake Passmore, Matthew Passmore, Nathan Harman, Ben Harman, Danny Harman and Joshua Duncan; great grandchildren, Drake Passmore, Michael Duncan and Abigail Duncan; step-son, Kevin Duncan and wife, Donna and numerous other family members and friends.

A Fire Fighter Last Call Ceremony will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10 am at the Riley Funeral Home with Brother Rusty West officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9 am until 10 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Camp Ground Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Nathan Harman, Ben Harman, Danny Harman, Jake Passmore, Matthew Passmore, and Joshua Duncan.