Jim “JR” Harrison passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Florabelle Harrison; brothers, Roger and Reggie; and his beloved wife of 51 years, Marlene.
He is survived by his children: Lisa (Joe) Trujillo of Chandler, AZ; Angela (Bill Clevenger) Wolverton of Buckhannon, WV; Jamey Harrison of Chandler, AZ; Rodney (Allison) Harrison of Youngsville, LA; Jim Harrison Jr. of Seattle, WA; Jeri Harrison of Silver City, NM; and Jay Harrison of Texas. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Roger) Bailey of Rogers, AR; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, whom he adored.
Born December 6, 1937, in Stafford County, Kansas, Jim was the eldest of four children raised on the family farm. He graduated from Stafford Senior High School in 1955, where he excelled in football. He later attended Kansas University in Lawrence, KS.
Jim built a successful 50-year career in the oil and gas industry as a manager and consultant, a profession that brought him and Marlene to Buckhannon in 1969. An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, water skiing, snowmobiling, and camping. He was passionate about horses, competing in barrel and pole racing events and hosting horse shows on the family property. He was also a member of the Upshur County Horseman’s Association.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all.
Per his wishes, Jim will be cremated and laid to rest with Marlene.
Friends will be received for a memorial gathering on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Poling St. Clair Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Ed Lowther. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WVU Medicine Home Health and Hospice.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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