James "Jim" Edward Harkreader

James “Jim” Edward Harkreader, aged 78, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 1:17 PM, passing away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Kenner, Louisiana, just seven days shy of his 79th birthday. Born on September 13, 1947 in San Antonio, Texas, Jim was the beloved son of the late Jacquelyn “Jackie” Agnes Kruger Harkreader and Robert “Bob” Kearney Harkreader. He was a proud graduate of Highlands High School (1965) in San Antonio and later attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Following his education, Jim served in the United States Army, honorably defending his country during the Vietnam War. For his meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force, he was awarded both the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. After his military service, Jim worked as an auditor for the states of Texas, Ohio, and Tennessee—living in Memphis (in the same apartment complex as Elvis Presley)—before moving to Louisiana. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sandra “Sandy” Lemoine Harkreader, whom he married on July 28, 1979. Throughout his career, Jim worked hard to provide for his family. He dedicated his professional life as an auditor, then as owner of Goodyear Auto Parts in Kenner, Arabi, and Chalmette, Louisiana, managing the store in Kenner as well. Eventually, his financial acumen allowed him to retire in his 40s, though he still chose to work afterwards as a broker and manage an automotive department. Known affectionately as Jim to those who knew and loved him, he was a faithful member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, where he instilled his deep love of the Lord in his children. The family frequented Saturday night services and enjoyed dinner at a restaurant afterwards. Beyond his faith, his love for Westerns was evident in his Louis L’amour book collection, his boot and cowboy hat collection, and his beloved land in Seguin, Texas. Jim was also an avid fisherman, handy with any tool, and a passionate football fan, especially of the Dallas Cowboys. In addition, he enjoyed visiting casinos with Sandy, both close to home and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Above all, time with his grandchildren was cherished, as his family was truly his greatest joy. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jackie and Bob Harkreader and his brother, Wayne Lee Harkreader. In Jim’s final days, his loved ones smiled when imagining the happy reunions he would have in Heaven with those friends and family members who passed before him. With quiet strength and resilience, Jim faced and overcame numerous health challenges over the years—from his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam to surviving cancer twice. Through all of these trials, he displayed a remarkable fighting spirit and steadfast faith, always interjecting humor and stubbornness along the way. He was a good and faithful servant for 78 years. His legacy lives on through his surviving family: his spouse of 47 years, Sandra “Sandy” Harkreader, his children, Craig Gianelloni (Melisa), Troy Gianelloni, twins Tracy Hall (Dan) and Stacy Neighbors (Adam), his brother, Robert Harkreader, sister-in-law, Helen Harkreader, nephew, Bobby Harkreader (Nicole), his cherished grandchildren, Shane Gianelloni, Erin Burton, Madison “Maddie” Neighbors, Katelyn “Kate” Hall, Allison “Allie” Neighbors, and Raegan Hall, and six great-grandchildren who will forever remember their beloved PawPaw. A Celebration of Jim’s Life and Faith will be held at L. A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The family will receive friends and family during the visitation from 3:00-5:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 5:00 p.m. A Private Burial will be held separately with full military honors; this will occur at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Slidell, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of James Harkreader, in honor of his beloved granddaughter, Raegan Hall. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com

James "Jim" Edward Harkreader

September 13, 1947 - September 6, 2026