Melvin S. “Jim” Harmon, Jr.
Melvin S. “Jim” Harmon, Jr., 58, of Stephenson, Virginia, died Monday, February 4, 2013, in Winchester Medical Center.
Mr. Harmon was born in 1954, in Winchester, Virginia, the son of the late Melvin S. “Jim” and Flossie Harmon, Sr. He was an honor graduate of James Wood High School’s Class of 1972, Shenandoah College and Conservatory, with a Bachelor of Music Education and George Washington University receiving a Master’s Degree in Music History and Literature. His Certification in Administration was from George Mason University and he was ABD (all but dissertation) at Shenandoah University pursuing his doctorate in Musical Arts. Mr. Harmon was Choral Director at John Handley High School for 14 years, and Loudoun County Public Schools as Music Supervisor retiring on his birthday, September 28, 2012. His early teaching career was in the Tidewater area for Norfolk, Newport News, and Virginia Beach public schools. In addition to his public school music career, he was a church choir director in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and here in Winchester, VA at First United Methodist Church. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and had served on many committees over his 26 years there. Mr. Harmon was a singer, Board Member and former President of Winchester Musica Viva, singer and founding member of The Consonants and member of the Frederick County School Board. Jim served as the Vice-Chair for the National Association for Music Education’s Council of Music Program Leaders, and was President-elect of the Virginia Association of Music Education Administrators.
He married Melody Swain on August 14, 1976, at Epworth United Methodist Church in Norfolk, Virginia.
Surviving with his wife is his son, Matthew Swain Harmon and wife, Renée Grady-Harmon of Stephens City, two grandchildren, Elijah and Daniella Harmon, and his sister, Bev Harmon Dellinger of Winchester. Niece and nephews include: Heather Gano Duncan (and husband James), Mark E. Cave (and wife Laura), of Winchester, and E. Charles Hiatt (and wife Elizabeth) of Richmond. Great-nieces and nephews are Taylor Cave, Gavin Cave, and Jesse Duncan, of Winchester; Jackson Hiatt, and Margaret Hiatt of Richmond, VA.
The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5:00-8:00 PM in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, 308 N. Braddock Street, Winchester.
A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 4:00 PM on Sunday, at Braddock Street United Methodist Church, 115 Wolfe Street, Winchester, with Reverend Will White and Reverend Randy Duncan officiating. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 308 N. Braddock Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601, “Jim Harmon Memorial Fund” or Winchester Musica Viva, P.O. Box 345, Winchester, Virginia 22604 or the Frederick County Educational Foundation 1415 Amherst St., Winchester, VA 22601.
Arrangements are being handled by Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, Winchester, Virginia.