Obituary of James F. Harkenrider

James F. Harkenrider, 85, of Beaver Dams, NY passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira. Jim was born in Hornell, NY on May 20, 1938, the son of Francis and Lena Rude Harkenrider. Raised in the Cowanesque Valley of Pennsylvania, Jim was a 1956 graduate of Elkland High School and was salutatorian of his class. On September 28, 1957 he married the former Dolly Blanchard at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Elkland. He shortly thereafter entered the Us Navy, serving for a little over 4 years. Jim was employed for 38 years as an electrician for Corning Inc., with most of career spent at the Fallbrook plant in Corning. Upon his retirement, Jim and Dolly spent winters in Zephyrhills, Florida for 22 winters. He loved his time spent there, with many northern friends residing in the same neighborhood. He enjoyed gardening, bowling NASCAR racing and throwing horseshoes with his friends in Florida. He and Dolly attended round and square dances at least twice weekly in Florida. Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Dolly Harkenrider of Beaver Dams, his children and spouses, James and Dorothy Harkenrider Jr. of Beaver Dams, Debra and Steve Herbert of Owego and Patricia and Terry Brimmer of Campbell, 7 granddaughters, 5 great granddaughters, 2 great grandsons, his sisters, Kathryn LeBarron of Troupsburg and Carol Harkenrider of Osceola, a very special brother-in-law, Thurman (Susan) Blanchard of Horseheads and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Eugene Harkenrider and great grandson, Che Cruz. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 1 from 1 to 2 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Funeral and committal services will follow there at 2 pm with Rev. Brian Diffenbacher officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Austinburg, PA.