James Walter Harmer, 82, died July 19, 2023, after a lengthy illness.Born April 18, 1941, in Burlington, he was the son of Daisy and Robert Harmer. He married Lucinda Heater and together they had two daughters, Renee and Glenna. They later divorced. James then met the love of his life Doyce, and they married.
He was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force for four years, supervisor in the testing department of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant and later worked in the automobile business for 35 years in roles ranging from service manager to president and general manager. He retired from Ron Smith Buick in Merced, Calif. after working as a sales consultant for 19 years.
Jim was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars as well as a member of the Optimist Club, Coin Club, and local Neighborhood Watch. He enjoyed photography, traveling overseas and exploring California and the national parks, especially Yosemite, staying in touch with his high school classmates, and cooking. He was known for his rib dinners.
Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Doyce and his six children, Renee (Damion) Piper, Glenna Nordstrom, Vicky Pebsworth, Rex Pebsworth, Terri Pebsworth and Paula (Keith Riggle) Pebsworth; ten grandchildren, Daniel, Alex, Sierra, Brooke, Sam, Ben, Megan, Madison, Abigail and Bryce; four great-grandchildren, Brienna, Quinn, Jaxon and Holly. He is also survived by his sisters Maryann (Larry) Werner and Geraldine Peavy, and many nieces and nephews including special niece Kay (Tim) Evans.
He was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Fehseke and brothers Roland and Robert Hahn and former wife Lucinda Heater.
Visitation will be from 9 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard following the visitation.
The Graveside Committal Service for Mr. Harmer will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the burial. A memorial gathering will be held in Merced, California at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, his family is requesting donations be to the New Beginnings for Merced County Animals.https://www.newbeginningsforanimalsmerced.org