James E. Harmon

James Everette Harmon, 84, of Lumberton, died Wednesday, March 13, 2024.  He was born on July 23, 1939, in Church Point, Louisiana, to Mary Ruth Constantine Harmon and William Anthony Harmon.

When James’ daughters were young and the family was living in Illinois, he would take them out to hunt fossils in the strip mines. He would bond with his family through adventure and finding the most unique relics. James was fun and easy-going and was the source of his daughter’s most fond childhood memories. Despite his very serious side, he liked to make kids laugh and he would often speak like Donald Duck to his daughters and their friends. The neighbor kids like him so much, they would often knock on the door and ask Mrs. Harmon if he could come out and play.

James could be a bit mischievous at times. When his daughter, Brigitte, was around five years old, James knew Brigitte was afraid of store mannequins. He would take her into his arms and distract her, while slowly moving her towards a store display. She would feel something touch her shoulder. After she had completely turned around, she would find herself staring at the mannequin. One time in particular, Brigitte, climbed over her dad’s head like a monkey to avoid the touch of the unnatural thing that resembled people, but never moved. James would get such a kick out of it.

He made a lot of sacrifices to provide for his family. He risked his life and well-being when he was a policeman. James later broke into the petroleum industry. It was an opportunity for his family to be exposed to amazing cultures, languages, and foods. It also raised the standard of living for his family, even though sometimes he would take dangerous jobs where families could not go and he wasn’t able to see his family for months at a time.

To summarize, as much as James loved life, he wouldn’t want his family and friends to grieve. He would want them to remember his love and the quality time he spent with them. He would want them to remember the way the kids gravitated to him, his quirky sense of humor, and how he selflessly provided for the needs of his family.

Survivors include his daughters, Michelle Hardin (Billy); and Brigitte Garcia; and grandchildren, Christopher Collier (Jamie); Jason Collier; Jessica Ann Murray; Yagmur Sayin; and Aylin Sayin. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Charlotte Ann LeBrun Harmon.

Arrangements for Mr. Harmon were handled through Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.