Obituary for James Harrison

James Harrison 88

of Mt. Victory

James Harrison, age 88, of Mount Victory, died Saturday afternoon, March 1, 2025. 

Jim was born January 8, 1937, in Hepburn, Ohio to the late Marion and Lucille (Clark) Harrison. 

Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Peggy Harrison, his daughter Kris Harrison and a special daughter, Gina Cronley both of Columbus Ohio. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Aaron Harrison, his parents, Marion & Lucille Harrison, brother Paul Harrison, father-in-law, Carey Overshiner & mother-in-law, Susie (Rizor) Overshiner 

Jim grew up a farm boy, starting grade school in Hepburn and moving to Ridgeway where he went to school for 11 years. He transferred to Mt. Victory High School his senior year and graduated in 1954. A favorite memory is Jim’s half court hook shot against a rival basketball team to win the county finals.

After graduation Jim married Peggy Overshiner in 1957. In 1958 they bought the Goddard house in Mt. Victory where he lived throughout his life continuously improving the home, creating a koi pond and lush garden where he and Peggy spent time growing their favorite plants and flowers. Jim was a member of the Thorns & Roses Garden Club and helped set up the group’s booth at the Hardin County fair.

Jim was one of the first hired at Whirlpool in Marion, Ohio. He retired after 41 years. Jim was a respected employee that management could count on for advice regarding operations on the floor. As a line supplier, Jim knew each position on the line and ‘floated’ throughout the workday to allow line workers to step away for a break. He was also a member of the Whirlpool Bowling League. They bowled every Wednesday night – Kris and Aaron would beg to go along to the bowling alley – he rarely gave in.

Jim enjoyed going along on fishing trips with his father-in-law, Carey Overshiner who had a lake and log cabin in Canada. They would rough it for a week and Jim would return home with a chest full of fresh fish and a beard.

Jim was in Military Reserves, from 1960 to 1966 – PVT USAR 251st Trans Co. He received the Rifle M-1 Expert Marksmanship Badge. 

In 1970 Jim was a founding member of the Rooster Club created to raise funds for the Mt. Victory Village Park softball diamond where he played on the Mt. Victory softball league. The Roosters created Mt. Victory Little National Frog Jump that, to this day, is still remembered as one of Mt. Victory’s most beloved events. He was one of several Roosters who volunteered to be a bus driver taking Ridgemont kids on Saturday morning trips to the Kenton movie theater.

Jim helped renovate 5 properties in Mt. Victory including the train mural building. Jim was one of the original members of Mt. Victory Community Improvement Corp. He was always up for volunteering to lend a helping hand and would do as much as needed to get a project done. 

Jim and Peggy traveled together on many adventures near and far including Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, China, Ireland, Scotland, Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and an African safari. They would go with groups of good friends or sometimes just as a couple. They took Kris and Aaron camping all over the United States stopping at every KOA and Stuckey’s along the way. Jim enjoyed beach time in the winter soaking in the sun on family vacations to Siesta Key, Sarasota and Anna Maria Island. 

If Jim wasn’t watching an OSU game, he could be found in the garden or buying, selling and restoring antiques for their Tea for Three Antique Shop. Peggy & Jim (aka Peeb & Bim) enjoyed setting up at antique shows throughout Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Kentucky where they met other vendors and friends along the way. 

Price McElroy Funeral Home is taking care of arrangements, no funeral service at this time. The family is planning a celebration of life in the spring, date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mt. Victory Methodist Church (tel. 937-243-1723) where Jim was a member and custodian for many years. Or donations can be made in memory of Jim to the Mt. Victory Community Improvement Corp. to go toward the Rodney Britton Village Park Tennis & Pickleball Court Renovation Project (https://mountvictory.com/tennis-pickleball-court-renovation).