James W. Harlan, Sr.

James W. Harlan, Sr., age 82 of Dayton, OH, passed away peacefully in his home with his wife, Annie by his side, Monday, April 29, 2019.

James was born on March 21, 1937 to W.M. and Birdie Mae Harlan. To this union were born six children, with James being the oldest. He is preceded in death by both parents; three sisters, Barbara Ann Harlan, Mary Franis Hardaway-Owens and Fannie Mae Coulter; and one niece, Keisha Hardaway Ginter.

James was raised in Moreland, Kentucky, and graduated from Stanford-Lincoln High School in 1956. On June 30, 1956, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. James gave his life to Christ and was baptized at 20 years old, worshipping at the Church of Christ. Soon after, he married Isabelle Wooden and to that union was born four children, James W. Harlan, Jr., Wayarne Harlan, Richard Harlan and Carmen Harlan. This union dissolved in 1978.

On August 19, 1980, James married Annie Jo Taylor. To this union no children were born. Yet he gained two sons from Annie's first marriage, Lonnie Thrill and Corneal Thrill, Jr. On September 25, 1980, their granddaughter, Christina Marie was born and they helped raise her as the daughter they never had together. James loved her dearly and often reminded her always that he would always be her first love.

James leaves to cherish his precious memories wife, Annie Jo Harlan; four children, James, Wayarne, Richard and Carmen Harlan; two marital sons, Lonnie Thrill and Corneal Thrill, Jr.; one spoiled granddaughter and her loving husband, Christina (Lamas) Crowders; six adored grandchildren, Shannon, Jessica, Viktoria, Kylia, Zara and Zachary; two extra-spoiled great grandchildren, Charlise Crowders and Lameir Crowders; six magnificent great grandchildren, Shannon's 3, Jessica's 2 and Kylia's 1; two special nieces, Pamela Taylor, Kathy Taylor; two Special granddaughters, Stephanie Richardson and Tasha Maye; two wonderful and supportive brothers, Joe (Annie) Harlan and Herbert (Vaddie) Harlan; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Collegiate Heights Church of Christ, 4310 Germantown Pike, Dayton, Ohio, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, in Shelter A, at the Dayton National Cemetery.

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