James L. Harlan

Funeral services for James L. Harlan 79, of Gainesville, are set for Sunday October 20, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Geo. J. Carroll and Son Chapel with the Reverend Kenny Phelps officiating with burial to follow in the New Hope Cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends on Saturday October 19, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. James passed away on October 16, 2013 in Gainesville.


James was born in Kosse, TX on October 11, 1934 to James Parnell and Katie Lee Bell Harlan. He married Betty Henry on Jan 9, 1959 in Mt. Springs, TX.


James proudly served and retired from the United States Marine Corps having served under three presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon on Marine One as a crew chief. He was highly decorated with three Air Medals, Presidential Unit Citation with one star, Meritorious Unit Commendation with one star, Good Conduct Medal with one silver star, National Defense Service Medal with one star, Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Air Crew Insignia with three stars, Presidential Service Badge, and two Meritorious Masts. He also served as a game warden while serving at Quantico, Virginia. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 922 in Gainesville. James also retired from Weber Aircraft, and he loved to fish, work in the yard and play dominoes.


James is survived by his wife Betty Harlan, children Michele Plemons, Diane Henry and her husband Scott, and James Harlan Jr,. He is also survived by his grandchildren Katie Long, Meagan Henry, Jared Henry, Melanie Plemons, and Wesley Harlan Plemons; great-grandchildren Christopher and Tyler Long; brothers and sisters Eunice Morse of Cleveland, TX, Johnny Castleberry of Timpson, TX, Leslie Castleberry of Cleveland, TX, and Kathy Farrell of Cleveland, TX.


He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Melvin Harlan and Lee R. Castleberry, and son-in-law Kim Plemons.