Vester Harry James

Mr. Harry James, age 80, went to be with his heavenly Father on August 1, 2017 surrounded by his family. Harry was born in Thornwell, Louisiana, on October 19, 1936. He graduated from high school in Fairhope, Alabama, in 1954. Four years later, he married his sweetheart Margaret and entered the Army. Harry served in the Army in El Paso, where he was named Instructor of the Year, until 1960 when he began working for Ratheon Corporation in Huntsville, Alabama. After a year in Korea working for the U.S. government's missile department, he worked at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville for ten years as an instructor on the Hawk Missile System. The following year, he served as Technical Coordinator for Army Missile Command activities in the Pacific from Oahu, Hawaii. Upon retirement in 1974, he and his family moved to Stringer, MS. He became an instructor at Jones Junior College in the electronics department as well as worked for the Mississippi Forestry Commission as a Communications Officer. In his spare time, Harry performed as a member of the Lawmen Quartet, the Gospel Strings, and Foxfire. He served as Minister of Music at numerous churches from the time he was 19, influencing countless numbers of choir and church members through his talent. He taught Sunday School, guitar, and taught himself how to build musical instruments, ending his career having built over 120 guitars and resonator guitars distributed to all 50 states and several countries. He could play any instrument that had strings and played every chance he got. He also raised horses for many years, and enjoyed carpentry, building bookcases, birdhouses, and many other useful items. He never lost his love for reading and kept up with the latest best-sellers as well as his beloved westerns. He had a robust sense of humor that was appreciated by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed by all of us who loved him dearly. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Margaret; children Connie (Ronnie) and Kenny (Gayle); four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five sisters & brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Clara James; and brother, Harlan James. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Sharon on Thursday, August 3, 2017 beginning at 12 noon with the funeral service following at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Antioch Cemetery in Jasper County. Matt Olson, Randy McHan and Harold Ishee will officiate. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Vester Harry James

October 19, 1936 - August 1, 2017