James Harlan

James L. Harlan was born in Webb, Mississippi to Lonnie and Katie Harlan on October 25, 1956. He graduated from West Tallahatchie High School in 1976 where he was a recognized basketball and football athlete. He moved to Indianapolis, IN and joined the US Army in 1976. He met the love of his life, Pamela J. Holmes, at Fort Riley, KS and they were united in marriage on June 22, 1979 in Junction City, KS; to this union five (5) children were born. He studied briefly at Maryland College, Indiana Wesleyan University and graduated from Kaplan College in April 2015 with honors receiving a 4.0 GPA as a medical assistant. He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at King Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Webb, MS. He was later baptized in Hanau, Germany in 1980 at Lively Stone Apostolic Church under the leadership of Jimmy Booze and overseer Elder Archie Turner. James later moved back to the United States and attended Faith Tabernacle Apostolic Church under Pastor Victor McGordon where James was called into the ministry. He eventually attended Revival Temple Apostolic Church under the leadership of Dr. Willie J. Duncan where he remained a faithful member for 27 years. He continued his spiritual journey and graduated from the Muskegon Bible College in 1992. In 2009, James and his wife, Pamela Harlan, founded Greater Total Praise Church in Lawrence, IN where he led the church for 10 years as lead pastor, with Dr. Willie J. Duncan as overseer. His children assisted him in ministry since the church’s existence. Due to his illness, the church closed. James was a hard worker and gave his best in any position he held. He had the pleasure of earning an early retirement from Quaker Oats Company in 1982. He was a veteran of the US Army and served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Germany, Kuwait, Iraq and was well decorated and awarded the Bronze Service Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Global War on Terrorism Service Medical, Iraq Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Star) and several more, too numerous to name. He retired from the US Army after 23 years of service on October 31, 2011. He retired as a Financial Analyst from Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Indianapolis, IN, after 20 years in 2012. He even worked for Secure America as a Security Guard into his later years. His passion was preaching God’s word and doing the will of the Lord. He enjoyed watching Western movies, traveling, and spending time with his grandkids. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. James L. Harlan is preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and Katie Harlan, his son Christopher M. Harlan, his brother Henry L. Harlan, his sister Lena Mae Harlan, and his sister Eva Mae Jordan. James departed this earthly life peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on May 30th, 2023. Elder James Harlan leaves to cherish his memory to a loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Pamela J. Harlan. His sons: James (Tamara) Harlan, Brian D. Harlan, Cedric (Tanya) Davis (Tutwiler, MS); His daughters Angelica (Russell) Foster, DeAndria Harlan, special God daughters: Regina (Jonathan) Warren, Ebony Duncan (St. Louis, MO). His brothers: Lonnie Harlan, Jr., Johnny Ray Harlan, Odell Washington (Schlater, MS), Lyndell (Lawanda) Washington (Charleston, MS). His sisters: Betty J. (Tommie) Green, Shirley Hoskins, Alice Fay Harlan, Barbara Ann Davis. His grandchildren: William, GamRon, DaeKwon, Dessarae, Dayjonage, Deassia, Russell Jr., Tommy, Phillip, Quinton, Joshua. His best friend since 6th grade, US Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Arthur Spearman. A host of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. A visitation for James will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at God's Grace, 9425 E 30th St, Indpls, IN 46229, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Harlan family.