JAMES LEWIS HARRELL, JR.'s Obituary
In loving memory of LCDR James L. Harrell, Jr USN Retired:
Lieutenant Commander Harrell lovingly known as “Jim/James/Jimmy/Hollywood” age 56 of Homestead Florida, and long time resident of many ports of call was welcomed home by God on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. As a child, he began his Christian walk, in Alabama, where he grew up “in church.”
James was an avid believer that in order to properly serve God, a believer must seek a personal and closer relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by learning him through His Holy Word, and various teachings through the Bible.
James received his formal education from Walter E. Stebbins High School in
Dayton Ohio, where he was known as a phenomenal athlete, and outstanding scholar. He was an all area football star, and held the school high jump record. Prior to enlisting in the Navy in November 1981, James attended Wright State University in Fairborn Ohio, where he majored in communications and hosted his own popular radio show “We Jam Productions.”
During his service in the Navy, he had many duty assignments and overseas deployments to include the Persian Gulf, and Central America drug operations. Following his Central America deployment he transferred to Seal Team Six, Naval Air Base (NAB) Little Creek, VA, where he earned his Free-Fall Parachute qualification and was prompted to ET1. His next tour was Naval Special Warfare Development Group where he advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 1991, and was selected for the 1995 Limited Duty Officer Program. His next assignment was to Special Boat Unit 20, (NAB) Little Creek as the Electronics Maintenance Officer. His tenure led to significant advancements in the small boat community and was instrumental in the source selection and fielding of assault crafts. Prior to his retirement James had several assignments to include Naval Station Annapolis MD, Naval Telecommunications Area Master Station, Naples Italy, and United States Southern Command, Miami FL. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards), The Navy Commendation Medal
(with one Silver Star), the Joint Service Achievement Medal (two awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), the Good Conduct Medal (three awards), and various campaign medals and service awards.
James was joined in holy matrimony to the former Claudette (Henry) of St. John’s Antigua in 2003. Claudette remained a faithful and devoted wife during their marriage, and traveled with him throughout his service as he proudly served our country. Words can not express the tremendous strength, grace and conviction that she provided James during his life journey and illness. He is preceded in death by his father James Lewis Harrell Sr., mother Marcella (Butler) Harrell. He leaves to cherish his memory son Alphons Harrell, and his wife Janet Rose (Sellers). Three grand children Caitlyn Rose, Carlin James, and Codylyn (CoCo).
He is also survived by eight siblings, Yvonne, Yvette, Yolanda, Yvator (Hobert), Yonda (Maurilio), Darryl, Yelinda, Yador (Brenda), step-sister Kia (Harrell) Wallace, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other family members and friends.
James was a trend setter, and was known to have his own signature fashion style, with a love of fine hats, and a strong sense of self pride. In fact, he was known to have a pride in his stride that even his clothes could not hide. It was this pride, and quiet dignity that won him many life long friends during his service to the country and life travels.
However, one of the greatest gifts that James left us with was the knowledge of knowing that it is not your rank, your title, your influence, or even your position that authenticates or legitimizes you, but more importantly it is your willingness to give of oneself.
An unconditional willingness to love everybody, serve everybody, support everybody, encourage everybody, and most importantly forgive everybody.
Although James had to travel through a thunderous tempest on his final journey, the family takes peace in knowing that as a sea bearing officer, in his final days, the Lord served as his pilot and provided him with comfort, fair winds and safe harbor. He is now docked securely forever in the house of the Lord, and is awaiting our joyous reunion with him in Heaven.
(Excerpts taken from the Mariners 23rd Psalm)
What’s your fondest memory of JAMES?
What’s a lesson you learned from JAMES?
Share a story where JAMES's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with JAMES you’ll never forget.
How did JAMES make you smile?
