James Joseph Harwood, An Uncommon Common Man
January 31, 1960 – February 26, 2023
James Joseph Harwood passed peacefully at home with his wife of 29 years and family by his side after a long, valiant fight with a rare form of blood cancer. He was born and raised in Omaha, NE, a middle child of 7. He was united in marriage to Linda Lahart on August 14, 1993. He was a highly intelligent, compassionate man with a true love of the outdoors, spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He was a quiet man but with an ornery, game-playing side to him. His hobbies included the outdoors with hiking, and he loved to cook, along with truly living his spiritual journey.
James graduated from Central High School, Indian Hills Community College, BS at College of St. Mary’s, and MBA at Creighton University. His most recent professional endeavor included being instrumental in creating a software program for coding, documentation, and billing for hospitals. James was also a director of health information management at Immanuel for many years.
Thank you to all my family and friends for your everlasting love and support as James and I traveled this difficult road. He will be truly missed. Also, thank you to all the medical professionals at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the University of Washington Medical Center, Barnes Jewish Hospital, and Siteman Cancer Center St. Louis.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Colleen Harwood. He is survived by his loving wife Linda (Lahart); her daughters Nicole Sales and Cynthia Knight (Bill); siblings: Joseph (Char), Patrick (Valerie), Mary, Thomas (Patricia), Anna, and Liz (Gregg) Colwell. Grandchildren include Olivia Robinson, Anthony Knight, Gavin and Grace Knight, Kenyan Sales, Ava Sales; and many nieces and nephews.
VISITATION on Wednesday, March 1, 5pm, with 7pm VIGIL SERVICE, at West Center Chapel.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, 10:30am, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to American Red Cross or Open Door Mission.
To view a live broadcast of the Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
11 Comments
Linda, you have my deepeat.sympathy. .may your memories of time spent together.comfort.you. I know you’ll always keep him in your heart.
We are so sorry for your loss. I (Ginger) had the pleasure and honor of working with Jim for the past six years. He was so smart and numbers driven. I would have an idea supported by my ‘feelings’ and he would point out step by step why my feelings were illogical and then bring up the numbers and show me why I was wrong. “Numbers don’t lie” he would say. Somewhere deep in that analytical brain was this dry sense of humor that would pop out unexpectedly. He would deliver a line and then sit back and watch and wait for me to catch on. We would both laugh and then he would immediately apologize and make sure I knew he was just joking. I miss working with him and I know his passing will have a left a huge hole in many people’s hearts. I am better for having known him and his light will shine on.
My heart aches for your loss; my prayers are with the family.
I had the opportunity of working with Jim for a little over two years and began getting to know him better in early 2022. He was such a sweet and giving man. He poured into his work and those who shared his passion. I will miss him dearly as I know you will as well. Hold tightly to the treasured memories and know that he will forever live in your hearts.
In Christ,
Marci
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27 NIV
My thoughts and prayers to the Harwood Family. Growing up on Chicago Street with fond memories of my childhood. I was blessed.
What a journey he took to eternal life. My love and prayers are with you.
Linda & family, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He will remain one of my favorite friends & colleagues. I always considered him a mentor into HIM. Much love and many hugs to you, Gretchen
It was an honor and pleasure working with Jim over the last couple of years. He had a distinctive style of delivering education during our weekly meetings, and I truly miss his opening line of “Morning, Ladies” at the beginning of these calls. He was very open to answering questions and listening to new ideas. His dry sense of humor will be missed. Praying for his family. (((HUGS!!!)))
I’ve known Jim and had the pleasure of working with him for the past 5 1/2 years at Cloudmed. He was such a kind and intelligent soul. I’ll miss his humor and chats we used to have about hiking. Prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
We will truly miss Jim at Cloudmed. He was our “rock” amongst all the changes. Prayers to Linda and the family with this great loss.
Linda and Harwood Family, sending my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Oh Linda and family, I am so very sorry. Jim was a gifted person. He is gone too soon. May his memory be a blessing.
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