James Harlan

James Matthew Harlan, 75, died on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at his home in Janesville, IA. He was born on August 30, 1948, in Mt. Pleasant, IA, the son of Leslie and Francis (White) Harlan. He graduated high school in Colorado Springs, CO, before attending junior college in Ft. Collins, CO. On September 29, 1972, he was united in marriage to Terrie Murrow in Denver, CO. They later divorced. He worked for the Cedar Falls Fire Department for 35 distinguished years, retiring in 2012 as the driver/operator of Pump Truck 502. Jim was awarded Firefighter of the Year and received a Certificate of Honor for his response and recovery during the May 25, 2008 tornado and the major flooding of June 2008. He was involved in the Fire Prevention Program within the Cedar Falls school district for many years and served as a mentor to many of the new and existing Fire Fighters throughout his years. After retirement, Jim continued to be active in the Local IFF 1366 and served as the lead contractor negotiator for many years. Jim was passionate about music, concerts, cars, hunting and annual fishing trips with family and friends. He loved his Denver Broncos and was an avid fan for UNI and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and dedicated his love and time to all his many dogs throughout his life. He was honored to carry the Olympic torch in 1996 and to catch the world line record Brown Trout in 1995. Jim is survived by his sons, Jason (Christine) Harlan of Derby, KS; grandchildren, Arianna and Cael Harlan; Todd (fiancé Debbie Dreesman) Harlan of Appleton, WI; fiancé Helen Pearce of Cedar Falls and his beloved Golden Retriever Hannah Harlan. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Shirley Ann Pearson and Dolores Benton; and one brother, Frederick Harlan. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls with a memorial service following at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 7th at Hillsboro, IA Cemetery. Jim was a member of the Cedar Valley F.O.O.L.S since its inception in 2010. Memorials may be directed to: F.O.O.L.S Fraternal Order of Leatherheads (215 Bergstrom Blvd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613) or Retrieving Freedom (1152 230th St, Waverly, IA 50677).

James Harlan

August 30, 1948 - August 1, 2024