Melvin “Jim” S. Harmon, Jr.

Date of Death: February 4, 2013

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visitation

First United Methodist Church

308 N. Braddock Street

Winchester, Virginia 22601

Saturday 2/9, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

service

Braddock Street United Methodist Church

Sunday 2/10, 4:00 pm

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.

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First United Methodist Church

308 N. Braddock Street

Winchester, Virginia 22601

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Saturday 2/9, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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Braddock Street United Methodist Church

Sunday 2/10, 4:00 pm

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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 ClassContinue Reading

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Melody and family, I was so sorry to hear of Jim's death. I am out of town so just wanted you to know I am thinking about you all. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. We all loved Jim and he will be missed so much! Love you, Carol

dearest mel, matt, and family, we weep deeply with you and we rejoice heartily with the whole world at having travelled this life's journey with such a man as jim. may god bless each of you and bring you strength, courage, hope, comfort, and peace. all our love and most heart-felt sympathy, rachel and wayne newell

all our love and most sincere sympathy, rachel and wayne

I was so shocked to hear that Mr. Harmon had passed. My heart was broken. I wish to extend my condolences to the family Mathew and Melody Harmon. I pray as you move forward and during this difficult time you will find peace. He is singing with angels now. A truly amazing man he was. I am sorry for your loss. Please know he had many friends and people he influenced i am proud to say I was one of them.

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing - one of the greatest men I've had the opportunity to know and a voice to match. Thinking of you all in this very tough time. Love, Dale & Dayle Disque and family

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Rest in Peace Jim.

To a kind, nice, joyful and understanding boss. And I am not just saying this....Jim was very supportive when my Father was ill, which carried out for years. I cannot thank him enough for his support and his positive attitude 99% of the days. We went through some rough times in suite 511, but I knew Jim had my back. He will be missed but never forgotten!!!!! Denise-Music bookkeeper

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, Melody. I wish I lived closer so I could come and give you a hug.

I only knew of Jm through his son Matt and some of Loudoun County's music teachers but alway heard how kind and caring he was. God bless your family and know that you are lifted up in prayer during this sad time. Molly Tinsman

I am truly saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I know you and he were truly life partners, a very special, blessed, and rare blending of people. May God bless you at this special time in your life and may you find peace in knowing that Jim's suffering has ended and that he now has that "perfect" body in heaven.

So many of my most treasured childhood memories involve Mr. Harmon. He was truly one of a kind and one of my most influential teachers. I had the pleasure of working with both Melody and Renee at VACDES, and wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to your family. Mrs. Harmon and Matt, thank you for sharing Mr. Harmon with all of us. He made a difference in my life as he did in every life he touched. God bless you all. Missy Whitacre Nelms

Melody and Matt - Jim's co-workers in Suite 511 share your grief at the passing of such a great man. We will always remember Jim's caring friendship, his gentle spirit and his sense of humor and will forever hear his angelic voice floating through the halls of our office - especially the Christmas carols in July. It has been a privilege to know such a wonderful man and we will dearly miss his presence with us. I wish you all God's peace and comfort at this difficult time. Denise Schamus - Athletics bookkeeper, LCPS

My heart goes out to you, Melody. Jim was very special of all of us. He was my boss for only one year, but I became a fast and loyal fan. He was one of the most positive people I have ever known. God's blessings and peace to you and your family. Doug Wilson, Leesburg

Jim was a very nice man. I will miss him a lot.

The Center for Sacred Music at Virginia Wesleyan College extends its deepest sympathy.

Jim will be missed! Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. David, Linda, Joe, and Sarah

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.