James R. Harrington

James R. Harrington, 83, of Zionsville, passed away Friday, December 10, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Jim was born March 4, 1938 in Trinidad, Colorado to the late Wilber and Ruth Harrington. He grew up with his four brothers, living in Kansas for a time and then returning to Colorado. After high school, he joined the US Air Force with dreams of becoming a combat pilot. When his health prevented him from completing his training, he moved to the east coast, near New York City, for work. In the spring of ‘62, a close friend and colleague introduced Jim to a vivacious young woman, Philomena, from upstate New York. At the time, she was living in Manhattan and working as a secretary. Just 6 months later, on November 17^th of that same year, the two were married. They celebrated their 59^th anniversary this year.

In their first years of marriage, Jim and Philomena moved to El Paso, TX, Spokane, WA, and Phoenix, AZ before returning to upstate New York. There they raised 3 children – James, Gina, and Joseph – near Philomena’s hometown. In the summers, they packed up the kids and drove cross-country to Colorado to visit Jim’s family. In 1985, Jim’s job moved the family to Louisville, KY, and in 1990, it brought him to Carmel, IN.

In 1998, after 30 years of service at General Electric, Jim retired, and it wasn’t long before he and Philomena hit the road again. They traveled abroad, visiting Italy, Spain, and France, and they cruised to Alaska and Hawaii, too. They enjoyed many RV trips across the states, especially to visit family and attend grandkids’ First Communions, sports matches, school performances, and graduations. As a loving father and devoted grandfather, he was most proud of his family, and he was there for them always.

Jim was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years. His generosity and eagerness to help others was limitless. He volunteered throughout his retirement with Habitat for Humanity and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel’s Merciful Help Center. There was nothing Jim couldn’t build or fix. From carpentry to appliance repair to car maintenance, he did it all. Not only did he add a 5-room addition to his family home in New York, but he helped each of his 3 children add to their homes, too. He enjoyed working with his hands but enjoyed it most alongside his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Philomena; children, James R. (wife, Cassandra) Harrington, Jr., Gina M. (husband, Sam) Haskett and Joseph G. (wife, Amy) Harrington; grandchildren, James R., III, William (wife, Alexa) and Michael Harrington, Thomas and Laura Buehner, Noah Haskett, Joseph Miles, Maxwell and Margaret Harrington; brothers, Wilber and Thomas Harrington.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry and Jack Harrington.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 4:00-7:00pm on Monday, December 20 at Flanner Buchanan-Carmel.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, December 21 at 10:30am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to PrimeLife Enrichment, a community of which Jim and Philomena have been a part for nearly two decades. If you choose to donate through the online donation page, please select Memorial/Tribute as the Fund and include a comment specifying your gift is in memory of Jim Harrington.