James Harless, 58, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. Born on August 5, 1950, James graduated from Des Moines Tech High School in 1968, and married his “beautiful wife” Jeanie in 1970. He proudly joined the Army and served in Vietnam. He then joined the Iowa Army National Guard and was the youngest First Sergeant of the 1-194th Cavalry. He founded and served as President of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) of Iowa Chapter 490. James worked for Yellow Transportation for 30 plus years. He most enjoyed time with his family and grandchildren. He was also very involved with his church, Sunday Church, as the benevolence director and a member of the leadership team. He was steadfast in his faith. James also enjoyed gardening, carpentry, ISU and all college football and was a supporter for the Central Iowa Homeless Shelter. As his last act of giving of himself, he was an organ donor.
James is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jeanie; daughter, Dr. Christi (Rob) Taylor; son, Joe (Amanda) Harless; mother, Helen; grandchildren, Melani, Kate, Ben and Will Taylor, Peyton, Kyle and Jake Harless; sisters, Mary Abbott and Rose Parsons; brother, Russ Harless; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Cathy Syferd, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Russ.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2009, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. The family will greet friends from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2009, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Iowa Shelter Services or the Vietnam Veterans of America Local 490 in loving memory of James.
Published in Des Moines Register on Jan. 16, 2009