James Levell Harbison

James Levell Harbison, 70 of Fennville, Michigan, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Douglas Cove Health and Rehabilitation Center in Douglas, Michigan.  James was born on March 10, 1952 in Newport, Arkansas to the late Walter and Ethel (Birdsong) Harbison.  He had a true passion for music and spent over 50 years of his life playing guitar and singing; even recording two CD’s and writing several songs.  Sharing his talent at the Douglas Cove and Golden Orchards Nursing Homes brought a lot of joy to James’ life, he loved blessing others with his music.  Johnny Cash was his favorite artist and served as an inspiration to James.

James was known as a “Jack of All Trades” and seemed to have knowledge and abilities for just about anything.  He loved his dog, Lady, and more importantly, he loved his family dearly.  He was married to his first love, Sandra Barnes, for 30 years before she passed away.  Luckily, James found love again and was fortunate enough to spend the last eight years with his second wife, Kim (Watts) Harbison.  A man who was truly blessed with love and happiness and felt honored to have such wonderful people in his life.

Those left to cherish his memory is his wife, Kim; his children, Todd (Jill) Harbison, Jacqueline Harbison, Tina (Mike) Hammer; stepchildren, Jessica Barnes and Travis Barnes; siblings, Joyce Klifman, Dorothy Hopkins and Margaret Kohlhoff; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren and one on the way!

Along with his parents and his first wife, James was preceded in death by his son, James Jr.; and five siblings, Helen Spark, Martha Arnold, Margie Gomez, Wanda Streicher and Lois Oudemolen.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will celebrate James’ life with a Memorial and luncheon at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family in care of Kim Harbison or the American Cancer Society.   The family wishes to thank the many people who helped and cared for James over the past few years. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Levell Harbison, please visit our floral store.