James "Jim" L. Harmon Obituary

James "Jim" L. Harmon, 95, of Grand Island, Nebraska, passed away Monday, November 18, 2024 at Heritage at Sagewood Assisted Living in Grand Island.

Livingston-Sondermann Funeral and Cemetery Services in Grand Island is entrusted with the arrangements.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Grand Island Evangelical Free Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Evangelical Free Church Missions Fund.

Interment was held in the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City, Nebraska.

Jim was born September 21, 1929, in Greenwood, Nebraska to Luther and Clara (Bundy) Harmon.

He entered the United States Army on March 7, 1951, and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on February 20, 1953. While he was in the military, he met LaVonne, who was attending nursing school at the time.

Jim was united in marriage to LaVonne "Bonnie" Bennink on May 2,1954 near Linden, Iowa. To this union, they raised four children together.

The couple lived in Loup City, Nebraska ranching with his father, Luther. He successfully operated his own custom hay hauling and grinding business. Showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and expertise, in the mid-1960s, he innovated the first commercial truck mounted haystack mover in Nebraska. In 1978, the couple moved to Grand Island, where he contributed his talents as a welder for various companies. His ability to design, build, and repair all kinds of farm machinery and equipment made him a valuable asset in the agricultural community.

Jim was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Grand Island. He took great pride in maintaining his yard. Known for his baking skills, he often made many loaves of bread for family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, LaVonne Harmon, with whom he shared over 70 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived additionally by two sons and daughter-in-law, Greg & Yvonne Harmon of Howell, MI and Douglas Harmon of Holdrege, NE; two daughters, Julie Pierce of Auburn, WA and Kristy Carlson of Kearney, NE. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Caleb (Elizabeth) Harmon, Amber (Will) Pho, Karyn (David) Tori, Mindy (Brett) Kelly, Jamie (Zach) Curtis, Emily Pierce, David Carlson, John Carlson, and Luke Carlson; seven great-grandchildren, Owen, Peter, and Lucy Harmon, Lina and Phoebe Tori, and Winnie and Eloise Kelly. One surviving sibling Charles Ray Harmon of Fremont, NE.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Richard Harmon, and sister, Jerris Palmer.

Condolences to the family and sharing of memories may be signed at www.livson.com.