James B. Harshman, of Lytle, TX, born December 17, 1966, passed away in the early hours of September 15, 2024 following a two and half year battle with ALS. He is survived by his wife, Rohani Harshman, daughter Eva Burley, her husband Rich Burley, his sons Adam and his wife Milandri Harshman, Johann Harshman and his fiancé Taylor Bineau and his grandchildren Easton and Chase Burley. He is preceded in death by his parents Patricia and Bill Harshman and his brother, Bryan Harshman. He was a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation from his grandmother’s side and retains extended families in Oklahoma and Singapore.
James was originally born in Ardmore, Oklahoma then attended Garden County High School in Lisco, Nebraska. After graduation he played football at the University of Wyoming. He later graduated from the University of Northeastern Oklahoma and later earned his MBA from Oklahoma City University.
James lived in many places throughout his life and in all these places made friends whom he cherished for life – Larry Allen from Wyoming, Mitch Daum from the University of Wyoming, Randall and Steve Jobman from Nebraska, his high school coaches Coach Leopold, Coach Sutton, Coach Klempke and Coach Hattendorf all of whom remained close to James throughout his life. His lifelong friends also included Ben Shelton from Sand Springs, Oklahoma, and Robert Flores from Lytle, TX. The depth and length of these friendships are truly remarkable and serve as a testament to James’ loyalty and the unique impact he had on those around him.
In 1994, after moving from Tulsa to San Antonio, James founded Diamond Edge Services ”DES” – a pipeline services company in the oil and gas industry. In 2005, his wife Rohani left her job and joined James at DES. Together, they created their life’s work. They were never apart. DES had a strong impact on the lives of his employees, community and family. The business is now continued through his son, daughter and son-in-law. James always said his biggest joy was watching his employees grow and build their own families. James loved to work; he excelled in being resilient with a “make things happen no matter what” attitude. This resiliency was tested during his two and half year battle with ALS throughout which James was always positive and clear-eyed about his diagnosis. Despite the illness taking many things from him – it never took his sense of humor, his will to fight or his spirit.
“Just keep on keepin’ on”
His celebration of life was held at Sunset Memorial in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Public Visitation, Lunch: 2:00-3:00 PM Funeral Services: 3:00 – 4:00 PM