White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – James E. Harrison, 74 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Thursday, October 31, 2013, at the BuchananCounty Health Center in Independence.  He was born on October 14, 1939, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Ross Allen and Ethel Gay (Burgess) Harrison.  He attended high school in Eddyville, Iowa.  Mr. Harrison served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 until 1962.  After his discharge he moved to Independence and on April 14, 1962, he and the former Leanne K. Fenner were married in Independence. They farmed near Oskaloosa, Iowa, for his brother-in-law until 1964, when they returned to Independence.  Mr. Harrison worked for Ray Connolly and at the M.H.I.  He then became a lineman for the R.E.C. for 37 years before retiring in 2002.

Mr. Harrison maintained his pioneer spirit and often stated he was born 100 years too late.  In earlier years he enjoyed riding the rodeo circuit and breaking horses.  In later years he enjoyed turkey hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting.  His early ancestors included two Presidents and the discoverer of Pikes Peak.  His great grandfather was born in Maryland in 1776; the year the U.S.A.was formed.  He is a member of the 1^st United Methodist Church in Independence, a lifetime member of the Buchanan County Historical Society, and a Pioneer member of Heartland Acres Agribition Center.

Mr. Harrison was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Leanne, his son, Trevor Harrison, and his granddaughter, Zoe Harrison.  He is also survived by 2 half brothers, Russell (Susan) McMillin of Des Moines, Iowa, and Larry (Deb) Hill of Lincoln, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 2 half brothers, and 4 half sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2013, at the White Funeral Home in Independence, Iowa, with Rev. Scott Meador officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 1 p.m.until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3^rd, at the White Funeral Home where a Military Service begins at 4:30 p.m.