James L. Harberson

James L. Harberson, better known as Jim, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2021. Jim was a loving husband, father, friend and a very proud granddad.

Born in Hendersonville, North Carolina, he spent his youth in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He graduated from Hendersonville High School and proudly attended Georgia Tech, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. This began his lifelong love affair with Georgia Tech football. Jim had joined the ROTC during college and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Corp of Engineers. He served one tour in Vietnam. While stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he met his wife and partner in crime of 50 years. He settled in Petaluma, California, where he lived for over 45 years. He served on the Petaluma City Council for 11 years and as a Sonoma County Supervisor for 14 years.

Jim is survived by his wife Patty, children Jim and Julia, daughter in law Joanna, grandchildren Abby, Elly, JR and Becca, and his siblings Nancy and Lamar. His son Robert David, and parents Jim and Allene preceded him in death.

A service for Jim is being postponed due to COVID-19. Donations in his name can be made to: Hendersonville Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, 1 Bearcat Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28791 in Memory of Jim Harberson Class of 1960; or Petaluma Valley Baptist Church, 580 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma, CA 94954.

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