James Franklin Harvell, known to his friends and family as “Jim” or “Jimmy”, passed away May 13, 2016 due to an accident at his home. Jim was born on January 24, 1934 in Atlanta, Georgia. He trusted in Jesus as his savior as a young boy, was very involved at the Oakland City Baptist Church, played varsity basketball and graduated from Brown High School in 1951, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology’s Cooperative Program in 1956. He joined the Navy and remained on active duty until 1959. While stationed in California, he met his bride, Beverly (Bev) Cheeseman. Jim and Bev married and moved to Virginia where they had two daughters, Kelly and Kerry, and where Jim worked as an Electrical Engineer for General Electric. In 1962, Jim brought his family to Florida, where he and Bev had a third daughter, Kathy, and where Jim began his 30-year career at Honeywell. While working at Honeywell, Jim earned his Bachelor of Business in Accounting and his Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida. During that time, Jim continued in the Navy Reserve and retired from the Navy as Commander in 1994. In his younger days, Jim sang solos and was in the choir at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks. He also taught Sunday School, served on the Stewardship Committee, and volunteered in other capacities at the church. Jim loved to read and do puzzles. He also enjoyed playing tennis and golf. Jim is best known as the man with the happy smile who loved to enjoy the life God gave him, and to help those around him love life as well. James Harvell is survived by his wife, Beverly Harvell, and three daughters, Kelly Gonzalez, Kerry Irvin, and Kathy Gilbert, Kelly’s husband, Alex, and their son, Matthew, Kerry’s daughters, Sarah and Katlyn, and Kathy’s husband, Michael, and their sons, Nathan, Zachary, and Cannon.
A service is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Monday, May 23, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo, Florida 33774 with Pastor David Joseph and the United States Navy Military Honor Guard, officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Bay Pines National Cemetery, Bay Pines, Florida.
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to the First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks in the memory of James Franklin Harvell.
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I’m heart broken. My precious Uncle who always had a happy smile! My love and prayers to Bev, Kelly, Kerry and Kathy. My God comfort you with Love and Peace. All my Love, Pat.
Dear Bev and family. It is with a heavy heart that I send my sympathy and love to you. I remember Jim as a true southern gentleman who made everyone feel better just by being around him. It was my good fortune knowing him and knowing what a wonderful husband and father he was to you, Bev, and to your daughters. The good Lord will provide strength and courage to all of you in the days ahead. Love, Diane
He passed way but the loves for his family never die he loves you for ever in haven as he did on earth.
We will pray for him and all the family.
God bless you all
Paco and Rosa
Just hearing the news from mom (Arlene) and am heartbroken. We were in the process of moving mom out of her house and waiting for the phone to transfer to her new location today. We all loved Jim dearly and so appreciated seeing you all in MN for Lisa’s funeral in 2008. Will miss his ever present smile and amazing sense of humor. Wishing you all peace and love from MN…..
Lori, Rick, Arlene Cheeseman
Oh Bev my heart goes out to you and the family. We are still greiving Gordie’s passing 2 weeks ago. When feeling so sad we have to remember the joy Jim and Gordie are experiencing. My thoughts,feelings and prayers are with you all.
God bless and He will give you the needed strength to carry on. My love, Mary Ann
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Harvell, the family and others that were able to share in Jim’s life. I know by the people who loved and cherished Jim he is a beautiful soul, a treasure of love and faith and a wonderful man that will always be remembered. Praying that you will be blessed with strength, peace, and comfort to your soul.
Glenn Wardell
We lost a wonderful friend this day. May your many beautiful memories sustain you now Bev,and if you are watching Jim, you are number 1 to us forever!
To Harvell Family,
My sincerest condolences. Mr Harvell served our country and our Lord faithfully. Peace be with you.
Bev and Family–we were so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken and Barb
Please accept my condolences on Jim’s passing. I worked with him in 1963 when I fist graduated from UF and started at Honeywell. He was a great guy to work with and we had a lot of fun testing electronics. I had not seen Jim since I left Honeywell in 1977, but I always remembered his big smile and friendly manners. I was also a veteran and attended UF on the GI Bill. Jim helped me adjust to my new job and sympathized with me when I found out I had only a workbench instead of a desk as a new engineer. He told me with a big smile I had to work my way up to a desk. People like Jim are a blessing to the rest of us, and an example of how to treat each other. God will ensure he is well cared for in eternity.