James Dale Harrington

Beloved husband of Pamela Harrington for 53 wonderful years. Loving father of Kenneth (Cheryl) Harrington and Katherine Riker. Cherished grandfather of Candes and Kyle Harrington and Josh Riker, James was reunited in Heaven with his beloved granddaughter Mary Kate Riker. Dearest brother of the late Sharon Padar, Janice Sylvester and Vince Harrington. Dear uncle of Jennifer, Janice (Genti), Patti (R.I.P.), Jimmy(R.I.P) (Kelley), Judy (Scott), and Kurt (April).

When we are born, we are given a blank canvas. Each individual brush stroke on our canvas is based on our actions, our reactions, promises kept, goals achieved, people we have loved, raised, helped, and shared special moments and our life’s journey with. Over the course of our life, the brush strokes increase creating our personal life portrait. The last brush stroke is our last breath and heartbeat. We don’t get the opportunity to see our completed portrait. It’s for everyone else to see, reflect on, enjoy the memories, and appreciate the time we had with that person. So here we are today. Looking together, at the Masterpiece we call: James Dale Harrington, also known as Jim, Jimmy, Big Jim, Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle Jim.

Jim Harrington was a proud member of the Berkley Bears Class of 56’. My Dad graduated from the University of Detroit in 1970 with a bachelor’s in business administration to help further his career and provide a better life for his family. He worked for Ford Motor Company for 42 years, and General Fasteners for 10 years after that.

He loved being “the Coach” and loved the game of baseball. He coached with passion over a span of 30 years and brought an energy to the field that all the kids fed off. When he would hit infield practice, he would always say, “LET’S GO!! HUBBA HUBBA! He often would bark, Harrington and Crynick!! Turn your hats around and look like ball players, you look like clowns with your hats that way!! My Dad wasn’t just my coach, he was everyone’s coach. My Dad was my Sister’s biggest cheer leader during the time she was in ballet and had her recitals.

When he came aboard the USS Antrim FFG-20, and went on a Tiger-Cruise, which was when the Dads of the Sailors were invited to go onboard the ship for a short weekend cruise and be able to experience a little bit of Navy life with their Son. It was a very special time we shared that we often talked about throughout the years. My dad was loved by everyone onboard the Antrim and filled in as the Dad for the guys that didn’t have their Fathers with them that weekend.

My Dad taught me to “first plan your work, and then work your plan”. He was a perfectionist. I can already imagine my dad standing by at the cemetery as the crew is preparing his final resting place, and him saying, “can you move that spot over two inches? It’s not lining it up with that tree, and if isn’t fixed…it will bother me for eternity!”

My Dad loved playing golf and being outside with friends. He loved our weekly Euchre lunches at the One Under. Jim embraced everyone with acceptance and kindness without judgement (especially if they were Michigan State fans). He practiced and taught through his example, to always be aware and mindful of the needs of others and to those that are less fortunate. Nobody was ever a stranger to Jim Harrington.

Jim’s yard was his passion, and he was nic-named by his neighbors, “The Mayor of Levan”. My Dad loved Michigan State Football, especially having two in-laws Tupe and Domata Peko that played for MSU Football. My Dad was able to go to the games with their Dad he called “The Chief”, which created a very special bond and connection he had with MSU and to the family.

He had a small rock in front of the house with a Michigan State Spartan helmet carved into it.

Every time Michigan State beat Michigan, he would call me out to the front of his house, point to his MSU rock, and say, “Kenneth…Do you see this rock? Every year that Michigan State beats Michigan, that rock gets bigger and bigger! I think it’s starting to turn into a boulder!” He loved taking his fun jabs and keeping the rivalry going.

I can list for days all my dad’s accomplishments, but his favorite was being a Missionary representing St. Timothy’s Church and being sent to Ethiopia to help rebuild a village. The Ethiopians adored my Father, and gave him the title, “Tilikso” which means Big Man. Jim Harrington’s proudest accomplishments were being a Husband to his wife Pam for 53 years of love and support for each other, a very loving Father to Ken and Kathy, and a wonderful and fantastic Grandfather to Candes, Kyle, Josh, and Mary (R.I.P.). He was also very proud of being an Uncle, Brother, Cousin, and a friend to whoever said hi to him.

We can see that the final portrait of Jim Harrington, was that of a beautiful human being and a King of King’s. Jim’s spirit and legacy will always be energized and thrive through his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. He left this world with his heart and soul filled with love, joy, happiness, and peace. The world is a better place because of my Dad. It will be much different now without him, and even though he isn’t walking among us, he left his footprints for us to follow.

Dad, you are very much loved, will be missed tremendously, and never forgotten.

Fair Winds and Following Seas in all your Heavenly endeavors.

Visitation, Friday March 11th from 3PM- 7PM at Harry J. Will Funeral Home in Livonia. Funeral service, Saturday March 12th at 11AM also at the funeral home.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Safe Haven Women's Shelter- c/o Mary's Gift: 132 State St., Elkhart, Indiana 46516 or the Wounded Warrior Project.