Rev. Jim J. Harless

A Life Well Lived

Reverend Jim Harless was born and raised in Sweetwater, TN, and after serving in the U.S. Army, was in the clothing business for several years. He was married to Mary Ann Carpenter for 60 years. He always felt that she was perfect as a minister’s wife. At age 30, he finally answered the call, and became a United Methodist Minister, graduating from Hiwassee College, Tennessee Wesleyan College, and Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta.

Reverend Harless served several churches in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Among his appointments were Oakland U.M.C. in Greenback, TN, First U.M.C., Pigeon Forge, TN, Gate City U.M.C., and St. John in Chattanooga. After serving as Vice President of Hiwassee College for four years, he retired in 1999 and continued to minister part-time for 8 years. In retirement, he attended First Broad Street U.M.C. where he was a Stephen Ministry Leader.

He served on several Holston Conference Committees including the Board of Trustees for the Conference Colleges, the Board of Trustees for The Asbury Retirement Centers, and the Conference Board of Ministry. After retirement he made his home in Maryville, TN, and in Kingsport.

Among his hobbies were golf, painting landscapes, working on the lawn, photography, and drinking coffee with his buddies. He was married to Mary Ann Carpenter Harless, of Loudon, TN, and had two children, Martha (Marty) Kilgore and husband Jerry of Richmond, VA, and David Harless and wife Michelle of Mt. Carmel, TN. His aunt Margie Harless lives in Chattanooga; and one cousin, Kent Harless (and Jan) of Chattanooga, TN. They have two children, Melissa and Todd.

His grandchildren are Klarke Kilgore, Kelsey Kilgore, and Joshua (Josh) Harless. The grandchildren were the light of his life. He was so proud of all their accomplishments, as well as his two children. Jim never met a stranger. He spent a lifetime serving the Lord in many ways, and had a great love for all people. May God bless the memory of him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Camp Bays Mountain, 1435 S’Mores Trail, Kingsport, TN 37660.