James Pritchard Harrill, Jr.

James P. Harrill, Jr., (Jim), Ag 89, passed away on December 10, 2023.

He was born on May 17, 1934 to Helen and James P. Harrill, Sr. of Charlotte, NC. He lived there with his three siblings: Barbara, David and Mary Lib.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Harrill of 42 years. He is also survived by two daughters: Karen, her husband Dan Polstra, of Greenville, SC, and their children Reid, Ava and Drew. Also, his daughter Valerie, her husband Doug MacNair of Maryville, TN and their children David and Jason. He has four great-grandchildren. He also has a step-son, Roger Tarbell of Greer, SC.

Jim served 4 years in the U.S.A.F. He was stationed in the Philippines at the Clark A.F.B. as a special cryptograph repairman. Later, he worked at the Brookley A.F.B. with electronic test equipment. He worked his way through Auburn University Engineering School where he earned his industrial engineering degree. Later, he earned his master’s degree in finance at Georgia State University.

He worked in Marietta, GA at the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, then later at the U.S. Department of Labor (O.S.H.A.), for 12 years. He also worked for the U.S. Department of Defense as an industrial engineer for 11 years before retiring. In total, he worked for over 27 years as an employee of the Federal Government and was recognized for his outstanding achievements which contributed significantly to the defense of our country. Upon retiring, he was awarded the DLA Distinguished Career Service Award in 1996.

While living in Cobb County, Jim volunteered for the Smyrna Lions Club for many years. He implemented a scholarship program for deserving high school students. He was an active member of the Smyrna First Baptist Church for several years.

While living in Cartersville, he was an officer of the Retired Men's Club. He also did some volunteer work for the Cartersville Police Department, and he enjoyed working with Habitat for Humanity as a job sight supervisor.

He was quite artistic. He created stunning works of art from hand tooling leather. He also did wood-burning artwork. He dabbled at painting and needle working also. He even enjoyed decorating Carol’s Christmas cookies.

He and Carol enjoyed square dancing for many years. Jim was an accomplished dancer, from ballroom dances to jitterbug to disco. He enjoyed playing and creating all types of music on his electronic keyboard, guitar, and harmonica.

He and Carol traveled all over the country in their camper enjoying the wonders of our country. He never ceased to enjoy discovering and exploring new terrain. They visited and explored all 48 of the contiguous states.

He could be described as an outdoorsman. He loved taking trail hikes and exploring woods and parks. He enjoyed fishing in the area lakes. When at home, he was often working in his yard, growing flowers and vegetables. He had quite a fondness for all animals, especially his beloved wolf-dog of years past.

He possessed a unique sense of humor, always making up funny little sayings to make people smile. He truly enjoyed his well-lived life. A family memorial will follow his interment.