James Ford Harvey

James Ford Harvey, 74, of Tuscola, passed away on Monday, November 19, 2018.  A memorial service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Elm Valley Community Church in Tuscola.  Arrangements under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

James was born in Dallas, Texas to Eugene Blocker and Mary Jane Ford Harvey. He passed peacefully into the arms of his heavenly Father November 19, 2018 due to complications of pneumonia and lung cancer. He fought a courageous and heroic battle and was an inspiration was to all.

Larger than Life is the phrase most used to describe him. He lived big and loved bigger. He was a loyal and honest friend.

Jim was raised in Wichita Falls, along with two older brothers, Eugene (Dutch) and John. He attended Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio where he excelled at football and went on to play at the collegiate level at Texas Christian University (TCU).

Jim joined the Navy after college, attained the rank of Navy Seal and served our great country in Vietnam. Subsequent to his military service he began a career in the oil industry where he worked as a professional diver and in the field of exploration. Jim traveled world wide in this industry that he dearly loved.

In 1976 he married the love of his life, Patsy. They married in Brazil and she joined him in his globe-trotting life. They shared 42 happy years and shared many adventures. Scuba diving, motorcycles, curling and golf were some of the activities they enjoyed together.

He loved his many dogs and liked nothing better than hitting the open road on his Harley with his buddies.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Patsy and 2 daughters, Julie Ann Hall, husband Clayton and children Austin, Emily and Zane; Lynne Randle, husband Eric and children Brian and Shaylee; Brothers Dutch and John; and many special nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.