James Harshfield

The Obituary of James Harshfield

James Harshfield was born in Emmett Idaho to Hally and Maxine Harshfield on June 28, 1943. His immediate family consisted of his three siblings Larry, John and Angela. He graduated from Emmett High School in 1962, the University of Idaho in 1968, Alabama State University in 1971 and earned a Doctorate Degree in Education at the University of Nevada, Reno in 1995.

James married his precious wife Barbara Dutli in 1965 and was blessed with four children Mark, Gregory, Thomas and Tonya. He had 7 grandchildren Amber, Janet, Annabelle, Crystal, Lori, Christopher and Halona.

James greatly valued integrity, levity and nature in which he found the grace to provide helpful loving council.  Most of all he valued family and believed it was the spiritual foundation of our community.

He nurtured the land and its bounty as a ranch & farm hand; inspired students as a teacher; bridged the racial segregation at the all black Alabama State University as a white student; compassionately listened as a counselor; welcomed many foreign exchange students into his family; opened his home to care for the most traumatized war refugees; shepherd the community as a school district superintendent; enriched his family; devotedly loved god; and with his down to earth sensibilities entertained and healed our spirit as a writer of children, fantasy & spirituality books.

James authored 5 books: The Rock Street Five, The Key of Ban, Journey of Ban, Power of Ban, Ripples, and In Search of Still Waters.

James was a father, friend, and healer to many and he continues to live through his books and in the hearts of those he loved.

We love you.

Memorial Services

May 31, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.

Our Lady of the Rosary

Boise, Idaho