James Franklin Harbison died Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at Luther Acres Manor in Lititz.
Jim is fondly remembered for his love of dogs, photography, fishing and family vacations at the beach.
Born April 28, 1921, Jim was the son of the late James H. Harbison and the late Reba E. Ditzler of Lancaster.
He graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School in 1940, where he played football. He completed training in electronics at Thaddeus Stevens Trade School in Lancaster. He worked as a lab technician for over 40 years at Armstrong Cork Company and had a TV repair business in his home for many years.
Most notably, Jim served in the United States Army in the Battery B 405th, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Technical Sergeant on Nov. 20, 1945. A decorated veteran, Jim’s WWII duty included battles in Normandy and Northern France.
Jim and his late wife Anna Jean Hemphill were members of the Lititz Moravian Church and lived in Lititz most of their 59 years of marriage.
He is survived by three children: Dr. Margaret Louise Harbison of Montclair, N.J.; James Edward Harbison of Collingswood, N.J., and his wife Barbara Jeanne (Price) Harbison; and Susan Harbison Martin of Chesapeake, Va., and her husband David Evans Martin; and a sister: Dorothy Lesher of Lancaster. The late Reba "Betsy" Elizabeth Corsa of Gettysburg was Jim’s sister.
Jim also leaves behind four grandchildren: Ryan, Seth, Leah and Jared; and four great-granddaughters: Felicity, AnnaSophia, Abigail and Mia.
Jim’s life celebration service will be held at Lititz Moravian Church, Brother’s House, 8 Church Square, on Saturday, March 30 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dean R. Jurgen officiating. Interment will be in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard and the Vet 21 Salute Honor Guard. Visitation will take place at the Eschbach Parlor, Moravian Church, on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Hwy. East, Lancaster, PA 17602.