Jim Harken (1974-2021)

HARKEN, GARCIA, BYERS, NESIUS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/5/2021 at 15:52:01

JIM HARKEN Cedar Rapids Jim Harken, 47, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 3, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. He fought a courageous battle against colon cancer. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2021, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a Rosary Service at 4 p.m. followed by a Vigil Service and Sharing of Memories at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Doug Loecke. Burial: West Friesland Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Ackley, Iowa. Jim was the son of the Rev. Richard and Janelle (Nesius) Harken. He was born in Burlington, Iowa, and the family spent his first year of life in Alexis, Ill. On Jim's first birthday the family moved to Jesup, Iowa, where Jim attended Jesup Elementary school. In 1985 the family moved to Boone, Iowa, where Jim attended Boone High School. He was very active in band, choir and theater. After graduation, Jim Attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor's in Communications. He sang in the Concert Chorale, marched in the marching band and served as "The Voice" of the band for many years. Later in life Jim attended Western International University in Phoenix, Ariz., where he earned a Master's in Public Administration. Most recently Jim worked as a Regional Director for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach serving Benton, Cedar, Jones and Linn counties in Eastern Iowa. One of his most favorite parts of the job was being the co-host and MC of the Extension Annual Conference. Before Iowa State, Jim worked for the Iowa Lions Eye Bank and the Iowa Department on Aging. Jim also spent time in Arizona where he worked for the Arizona Game and Fish Department as a Public Information Officer and hosted their statewide TV show Arizona Wildlife Views. Jim worked as a Main Street Director in both Buckeye, Ariz., and Marshalltown, Iowa. Before that he worked at numerous radio and TV stations across the state of Iowa. Jim was also the voice of the Iowa Municipal Band Festival for more than 30 years. Jim is survived by his lovely wife, Mary; their three sons, Lucas, Michael and Dominick, all of Cedar Rapids; mother, Janelle Harken of West Des Moines, Iowa; brother, Andrew and Leigh Anna Harken of Ossining, N.Y.; parents-in-law, David and Pat Aust in Des Moines; brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael and Eva D'Aust Garcia of Collegeville, Pa., Jim and AnnMarie Byers of Ankeny, Iowa, Matt and Mindy Aust of West Des Moines, and Mark and Yevette Aust of Omaha, Neb.; aunts and uncles, Linda Brooks of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Dennis and Delores Harken of Lansdale, Pa., Charles Landstrom of Burlington, Iowa, Don and Mary Lou Minks of Saydel, Iowa, and Kathy Peters of Forest Lake, Minn.; and many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his dad, Richard Harken; grandparents; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A lifelong Cubs fan, Jim was thrilled that he got to see the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 2016. "It happened in my lifetime!" Go Cubbies!! The Jim Harken Memorial Fund has been established at Hills Bank to help with the boys' scholarship at St. Matthew Elementary School. Contributions may be made at any Hills Bank location or checks can be mailed to: Hills Bank, Attn: Jim Harken Memorial Fund, at 3905 Blairs Ferry Road NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. The family wishes to extend a special recognition and Thank-You to the Mercy Hall Perrine doctors, nurses, and staff for their love and care during the past four years. Please share your support and memories with Jim's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.

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Published in The Gazette on Jun. 5, 2021.