Jake Harley passes away

o    Jim “Jake” Harley, father of Debbie Harley Staley, Class of 1977, Jim Harley, Class of 1978, and John Harley, Class of 1978, passed away Thursday, May 28 on his Idamay farm.

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o    He was predeceased by his brother, Dave Harley. There's also another Dave Harley in the Class of 1930, maybe their father.

Jake Harley

Jake’s obituary:

 

James “Jake” W. Harley, 82, of Idamay, passed away at his farm surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 28, 2015. He was the oldest son of the late James L. and Helen Sabo Harley, born in Idamay on May 15, 1933.

 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Jo Ann Harrison Harley, whom he married on October 6, 1956.

 

Jake was an avid life long hunter and fisherman having traveled all over the United States pursuing his passion. He spent three summers in Alaska hunting and fishing, the first of which with his wife and another with two of his 14 year old grandsons. He spent every spring in Georgia fishing and every fall in Colorado or Wyoming hunting and fishing. He had a special camp in Glenville. Many of his trophies are displayed in the family home. His joy was passing on his knowledge of the outdoors to several generations of family and friends.

 

Jake was a proud family man. He was passionate about his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved spending time with children, teaching them about the importance of being a hard worker and just as important, enjoying life. He would take as many as ten of his grandchildren all under the age of 12 on camping trips for a week by himself.

 

They have great respect for him and his word to this day, so much so, three of his great grandsons are named after him. He was able to show them that the simpler things in life are the best and family is most important. He was honest and loyal.

 

Jake spent 39 years working in the coal mines, most of which were as an electrical foreman at the Rachel, Grant Town, and Federal #2 mines. He was also a member of the UMWA.

 

He also worked in partner with his wife Jo Ann raising Registered Black Angus cattle on their farm for more than 30 years. He had a strong work ethic which he proudly passed on to his family.

 

Jake served two years in the U.S. Army from May 6, 1953 until May 1955. He received licensure as an electrician in 1957.

 

He is survived by five children and their spouses, Robin and Steve Garrett, Debra and Robert Staley, James and Nina Jo Harley, and John L. Harley all of which live on the family farm in Idamay, and Pam and Ed Efaw of Mannington.

 

Grandchildren are Steven and Susie Garrett, Thomas and Kristi Garrett, Amanda and Jay Ice, Ali Staley, Jeremy and Amy Harley, Jimmy and Joshua Harley, Brian and Jess Cutlip, Judd Friend, John D. Harley, and Nicole Harley, Jeff and Thomas Efaw and Jack Stull.

 

He had 26 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren, 2 sisters, Judy Stevens and Sandra Larry, 2 sisters-in-law Betty Hustead and Sarah and Clarence Watkins, and 2 brothers-in-law Hubert Harrison and George and Debbie Harrison. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother David John Harley.

 

Jake believed in living each day as it was his last and living it to the maximum. There will be stories told about his numerous adventures by family and his countless friends for generations to come.

 

Honoring his request there will be cremation followed by a gathering on the family farm for storytelling and remembrance. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hutson Funeral Home in Farmington. Online condolences may be accessed at www.hutsonfuneralhomes.com