James Harkins

James D. "Shorty" Harkins, age 92, of West, passed away early Saturday morning, March 12, 2022 at Providence Health Center in Waco. Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the West Church of Christ, with Minister Ernie Albrecht officiating. Military Graveside Rites will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Robinson Cemetery in Robinson, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel. Shorty was born November 15, 1929 in Shive, Texas the son of James and Emma (Eldred) Harkins. He attended Hyman School, Blue Ridge School, Hamilton High School and was a 1948 graduate of Pottsville High School. On January 3, 1951 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Wilbanks in Longview. Evelyn preceded him in death on December 18, 1964. Shorty proudly served his country with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Then on February 11, 1966 he was united in marriage to Jean Everett Horton in Waco. Shorty was a very faithful member of the West Church of Christ, where he served as a Deacon, church grounds keeper and led the singing. He was also a member of the Bold Spring Water Board and the West Athletic Booster Club Board. He worked for Shephard's Construction Company and Caldwell Electric Company in Waco for many years before retiring in 1992. At that time he delivered flowers for Flowers'n Things in West. Shorty enjoyed fishing, cruising, traveling, being outdoors, hunting, bowling, and playing volleyball. He loved to play golf and was very proud of getting 10 holes-in-one and was a very faithful supporter of the West Trojans, where he ran the game clock for Friday night football. He dearly loved his family, especially his grandchildren. Shorty was a wonderful supporter of the West community and was known far and wide. Shorty is also preceded in death by his parents; a son, James E. Harkins; sisters, Yvonne Spradling, Polly Oldham, and Charlene Wenzel; a brother, Gilmer Harkins; and a grandson-in-law, Blake Glover. Survivors include his beloved wife of 56 years, Jean Harkins of West; his children, Mike Horton and wife Angie of Lexington, AL, Gary Harkins and wife Stacey of White Bluff, Cyndy Hardwick and husband Joe of New Braunfels, Randy Horton and wife Sharon of West, Tim Harkins of West, and Garry Horton and wife Cathy of West; grandchildren, Candice and Brad Moseley, Kasey Glover, Micah and Somer Horton, Cody Horton, Jonathan and Chelsia Hardwick, Darin Nicole and Leonard Morrison, Julie and Jesse Courtney, Rachael and Tim Kocian, Quane and Amanda Pate, Laci and Josh Jirasek, Nicole and Jonathan Hoxie, Zachary and Laken Horton, Ethan Horton and Randi Bomnskie, and Maci Horton; great grandchildren, Grayson, Carson, Corbin, Aubrey, Ruby, Finley, Maelynn, Bennett, Faith, Addysin, Caidn, Conner, Zane, Kella, Rush, Aria, Noah, Ezra, Kimber, Evelyn, and Douglas; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Jonathan Hardwick, Zachary Horton, Ethan Horton, Micah Horton, Cody Horton, Jesse Courtney, Tim Kocian, Brad Moseley, Leonard Morrison, Quane Pate, Josh Jirasek, and Jonathan Hoxie. Honorary pallbearers are his great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Church of Christ.