James Leroy Harless

James Leroy Harless was born April 5th, 1943 in Long Beach, California to Luther and Mary Albright-Harless. He grew up with two half-siblings Lloyd Harless and Donna Dirosario. He, later, moved to Missouri where his mother married Raymond Hamilton and gained two step-sisters; Ramona Quinn and Wanda Hooper.

Jim graduated from Plattsburg High School in 1961. He was active in FFA and 4H. After High School, he joined the Air force where he was stationed in Alaska. After the Air Force, he moved to California and worked for TRW where he had the honor of meeting General Jimmy Doolittle and Bob Hope.

On July 17th, 1965, he married Sharron Linn Gordon in Redondo Beach, California. He, later, worked for Sparklets Water. They moved to Glendale, Arizona to raise their two sons; Scott and Kirk. Jim, again, worked for Sparklets (Aqua-Vend) and then AAA in Arizona. He, also, briefly lived in Missouri and Woodburn. In 2000, Jim and Sharron moved to Salem, OR to be closer to their family. Jim worked at IKON until he retired. His wife Sharron passed away in 2002.

Jim married Karen Harless in 2004. He was active with the Home Owners Association Board at Salem Greene Estates and with the Capitol Baptist Church at his time of death. He enjoyed many activities associated with the clubhouse such as dominoes, bingo and potlucks. He, also, enjoyed making cards with his wife. Jim was always known for his sense of humor and love of shopping.

After many years of dialysis and heart issues, Jim went to be with Lord on February 24th at home surrounded by family.

Jim is survived by his wife Karen Harless, Salem, OR; son Kirk (Janice) Harless, Dallas, OR; grandsons Nicholas Harless, Roy, UT and Paul Harless, Dallas, OR; stepson Marc A. Rumery, Portland OR; and numerous family and friends.

He was preceded in death his parents Luther Harless and Mary Hamilton, his step -father Raymond Hamilton, his first wife Sharron Harless, his son Scott Harless, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Dee and Maxine Gordon, his half-sister Donna Dirosario, his half-brother Lloyd Harless, his step-sisters Ramona Quinn and Wanda Hooper and lots of beloved puppy dogs over the years.

Jim was a man who loved humor. He cared deeply for his family and for the friends he took under his wing. One of whom said about him, “We were better people for having known Jim.”

He is now in a better place and is listening to the angels sing . . . and understands every word.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 2nd at Salem Greene Estates Clubhouse at 1:30 PM in Salem, OR. Preceded by a potluck luncheon at noon. Arrangements are being handled by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service. A private graveside service will be held earlier in the day at Dallas Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations to the American Kidney Fund whose mission is fighting kidney disease and helping people live healthier lives.