James M. Harding

James Morton Harding, 81, of Zanesville, Ohio, formerly of Dennison, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 28, 1943, he was the son of the late Charles D. and Ruby E. (Jeffery) Harding. After graduating from Freeport High School in 1961, James enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as an MP during the Vietnam War. He later retired from PPI in Bolivar, Ohio.

James was a devoted member of the Roxford Church, where he was actively involved until health issues prevented him from continuing. He was a passionate fan of the Buckeyes, Cleveland sports teams, and NASCAR driver Mark Martin. Known for his friendly nature, James never met a stranger and always sought to bring a smile to others’ faces. He had a special way of singing “You Are So Beautiful to Me” to the women in his life, and even to those he met.

James is survived by his children, Lisa (Shawn) Daugherty and James (Tabitha) Harding II; his grandchildren, Tanner (Lauren) Nicholson, Hunter (Kaylee) Abram, Nate (Jamie) Nicholson, Delayne (Steven) Harding, Destiny (Levi) Goodin, Dylan Abram, and Raelynn Harding; great-grandchildren, Jaxon Abram, Rosalee Goodin, and Baylor Nicholson; his sisters, Janice (Wayne) Matsel and Carlotta Daugherty; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Rita Tucheck; his brother, David Harding; nieces, Tammy Woods and Jackie Darrah; and nephew, Ronald Tucheck.

Visitation will be held at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. A service celebrating Jim’s life will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, led by Brother Jim Manbeck. Military honors will be rendered by the New Philadelphia VFW #1445 following the service. Friends and family are invited to join in a time of food and fellowship at the Roxford Family Life Center afterward.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Roxford Church, 771 Roxford Church Rd. SE, Dennison, OH 44621.

“God be with you and Goodnight”