1933-2023

James Truitt “Jim” Harrelson passed away on June 10, 2023, in Sulphur Springs after a short hospital stay.

Jim was born on Feb. 22, 1933, to the late Fredrick Maurice Harrelson and Lena Azalee (Stone) Harrelson in the Winterfi eld community in Hopkins County. He joined the National Guard before graduating from Pickton High School in 1951. After serving two years with the National Guard, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He had a storied naval career serving on several ships and submarines such as the USS Grayback and the USS Ethan Allen. Notably, Jim participated in the nuclear tests run by the Joint Task Force 7 at Bikini Atoll. Jim retired in 1975 and went on to earn two degrees from the University of Texas-Tyler. After his retirement, Jim was an avid sportsman and enjoyed attending and planning reunions for his Naval shipmates.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Azalee Harrelson; brother, Wayne Harrelson; sisterin- law Mable Harrelson; and brother-in-law Gerald Shinn.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Harrelson; brother, Michael Harrelson (Judith); sister, Gayle Shinn; daughter, Lisa Boothe; son, Richard Harrelson; daughter, Denise Harrelson; son, LTC, USA, (Ret) Marc Harrelson (Judith); stepson, Scott Fitzgerald; stepson, Bryan Fitzgerald’ nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and shipmates.