Reverend James Alan Harkness (Jim) was called home to be with his Savior and Lord on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Jim was born to the late Dr. Stuart and Irene Harkness in Harrisburg Pennsylvania on December 12, 1942.  He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Deborah Harkness, his son James (Candice) Harkness, daughter Sarah (Pete) Marlow, daughter Faith (Chris) Hallam, grandchildren Noah, Ethan, Emery, and Louise, and brothers Jack and Joe Harkness with their families, all of whom will miss him profoundly.

As a boy, Jim's family moved to Des Moines, Iowa where he remained through young adulthood.  He graduated from Wentworth Military Academy in 1961 and served in the Air National Guard from 1964 to 1967.  He received a business degree from Drake University in 1968 and went on to work in sales for a number of years.

In 1986, at the age of 44, Jim was called to ministry.  He graduated from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Palmer) in 1989 and went on to serve alongside his wife as the pastors of American Baptist Churches in Salem, New Jersey, Janesville, Wisconsin, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Marissa, Illinois, and Belleville, Illinois as well as serving through various interim work, most recently at The First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in Johnston, Iowa.

Jim's passion in life was to share the Gospel.  He always wanted to preach until his death and he delivered his final sermon on September 17th, five days before his passing.  To know Jim Harkness was to know his deepest desire to abide and the importance of prayer in his life.  Every message he gave returned to these two themes.

In addition to his role as a pastor, Jim was a truly incredible and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He delighted in the lives of his children and grandchildren and his greatest joy was having his family all together.  He had a passion for mentoring others, cheering them on and encouraging them in their own ministries.  He loved and was loved immensely.

He will be remembered by many for his sense of humor and love of running, chocolate, and ice cream.  He would be found 5 days a week jogging through the neighborhood, often in his neon pink running shorts, or working out at the YMCA.

Jim's life and impact cannot be summed up in these few words.  He is loved and will be so very, very missed. Well done, good and faithful servant!

Services will be held on Saturday, October 7th from 11:00 to 12:00 at The First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in Johnston, Iowa.  A visitation will be held beforehand at 10:00 with a luncheon afterwards at the church.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that any memorials in Jim's name be made to: The ALS Association, Attn: Iowa Chapter, 1919 University Ave., W Suite 175, St. Paul, MN 55104.