James J Harrington

Captain James J. Harrington, United States Navy, (Retired) departed 10 October 2023 for duty in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oklahoma State University in Interior Design. While in college, he met and dated his beautiful sweetheart, Nancy Rosalie Wilson. They enjoyed their Kappa Sigma and Pi Beta Phi fraternal activities as they chose each other as life soul mates.

Captain Harrington served America as a United States Naval Officer from 1962-1989. He first served as a surface warfare officer, completing three sea duty tours in Vietnam, and later as a TAR Officer focused on training and development of Naval Reserves. While most career officers are likely to be in command only once, Jim was selected and placed in command an astonishing six times. His contributions to the career development of subordinate officers and sailors made a material contribution to the safety and security of the United States of America during the Cold War.

Jim and Nancy loved to dance in the 1950s and 1960s. They were blessed to vacation and travel extensively throughout the world as one, enjoying more than 45 destinations. They moved 14 times during his military career and have many amazing and life-long friendships from all over the country. They were married for 60 years and have a lifetime of precious memories.

Jim was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Oklahoma State University and the National Rifle Association. He was also a lifetime member of many organizations including the Association of the United States Navy, Naval Order of the United States, Disabled Veterans of America, US Naval Memorial, The Retired Officers Association, Navy League of the United States, the United States Golf Association and the BPO Elks.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Rosalie Harrington; daughter Kimberly Harrington and Monty Hudson; son Philip Harrington and his wife Alicia; grandsons Taylor Krenek and his wife Tatum, Colton Harrington and his wife Emeleigh, and Ashton Harrington; great grandchildren Tilly Krenek, Waylon Harrington and Ripp Harrington; and grand dogs Bella, Tucker and Beauxcephus.

Captain James J. Harrington’s tremendous smile and sense of humor are already missed! His love for others and soulfulness cannot be replaced. Well done, Captain, son, husband, father, friend and, most importantly, a child of God our Father.

Fairwinds and Following Seas!

A Family Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 10:30am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 231 N. Marsalis Ave, Dallas, TX  75203.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (click here to donate now) or to the Gary Sinise Foundation (click here to donate now).

May he rest in the honored place of an American Patriot who
served his country with courage and commitment.
Rear Admiral, Retired, James J Carey
National Chairman Emeritus