Obituary of D. James Harms

D. James Harms passed away on May 14, 2014 at the age of 84 after a brief illness. He is remembered as a great family man and businessman. He was part owner of Page-Harms Oil Co. and worked there from 1947 until his retirement in 2005. He is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart Joyce (VanSlyke) Harms. They were married for 64 years. Also survived by children Kathryn (Richard) Nordstrom, David Harms (Karen), Susan (Late Donald) Gabel and Paul Harms. Grandchildren David & Jeffrey (Krista) Harms, Joshua Gabel & Jill (Ciro) Sroda. Great grandchildren Zach, Jacob and Haley Harms, Jordan and Ciro Jr. Sroda. He is also survived by a sister, Marjorie (Lawrence) Meadows and predeceased by brothers Robert (Louise) and Charles Harms. Jim was a lifetime member of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of NY, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of which he was the first person from Eden to be appointed and receive the honor of District Deputy Grand Master of Junior Lodges and the first Chief Ruler of Eden Junior Lodge 14 in 1947. He was also a lifetime member of the Slovenian Club of Gowanda. Jim was a pitcher for the Eden High School and also played on the first Eden School football team. Jim was a lover of tools. If you needed anything, he would have it and would hold "Blue Light Specials" for neighbors, friends and family. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Memorial visitation will be held on Sunday May 18th from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM at the funeral home. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 19th at 10:00 AM at Laing Funeral Home Inc. 2724 W. Church St. Eden NY. Final interment will take place following the service at Eden Evergreen Cemetery.