James Truitt Harrelson

James Truitt “Jim” Harrelson

1933-2023

James Truitt “Jim” Harrelson passed away on June 10, 2023 in Sulphur Springs, TX after a short hospital stay.

Jim was born on February 22, 1933 to the late Fredrick Maurice Harrelson and Lena Azalee (Stone) Harrelson in the Winterfield community in Hopkins County, TX. He joined the National Guard before graduating from Pickton High School in 1951. After serving two years with the National Guard, Jim enlisted in the US Navy and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He had a storied naval career serving on several ships and submarines such as the USS Grayback and the USS Ethan Allen. Notably, Jim participated in the nuclear tests run by the Joint Task Force 7 at Bikini Atoll. Jim retired in 1975 and went on to earn two degrees from the University of Texas-Tyler. After his retirement, Jim was an avid sportsman and enjoyed attending and planning reunions for his Naval shipmates.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Azalee Harrelson, Brother Wayne Harrelson, Sister-in-Law Mable Harrelson, and Brother-in-Law Gerald Shinn. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Harrelson, brother Michael Harrelson (Judy), sister Gayle Shinn, daughter Lisa Boothe, son Richard Harrelson, daughter Denise Harrelson, son LTC, USA, (Ret) Marc Harrelson (Judith), step-son Scott Fitgerald, step-son Bryan Fitzgerald (Holly), 9 Grandchildren, 13 Great-Grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and shipmates.