James Robert Harrison

James Robert “Jim” Harrison, age 84, of Nashville, Indiana, passed peacefully at 4:15 p.m. on January 26, 2026, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, surrounded by love. Jim was born on October 24, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Carlisle Frank Harrison and Martha Joan (Lovell) Harrison. Jim lived a life defined not by titles, but by presence. He was the steady place people returned to, the one who stepped in without being asked, the man whose strength made others feel safe. To those who knew him best, Jim was the rock of the family, dependable, protective, compassionate, and deeply invested in the lives of the people he loved. On December 31, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, Patricia Kay Knotts, beginning a marriage that would span more than 65 years. Their union stood as a quiet but powerful testimony to loyalty, perseverance, and enduring love. Jim cherished Pat wholeheartedly, and together they built a life rooted in commitment, shared laughter, and steadfast partnership. Jim was a Christian man whose faith, though often lived quietly, was sincere and deeply personal. Even during his Army service, his dog tags identified his faith. In the days leading up to his passing, Jim spoke openly and humbly of his belief in God and his assurance that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. His family finds deep comfort in knowing that Jim’s faith has been made complete, and that he is now at peace in Heaven. Family was Jim’s greatest joy and calling. He loved fiercely and without reservation. He had a compassionate view of the world, a heart quick to empathize, and an instinct to protect those in his care. His children often joked that each of them carried a piece of him forward, Rick with Jim’s unmistakable looks, Krista with his determined “go-get-it” spirit, and Rick, Krista, and Misty all inheriting his familiar “don’t tell me what to do” personality, carried always in the most loving way. Jim wore his heart on his sleeve, and his love showed up in action, in showing up, and in standing firm when others needed strength. Jim was quick-witted, fun-loving, and always ready with a joke. He had a gift for bringing laughter into heavy moments and warmth into every room. He loved old country music, especially songs like The Auctioneer, Bluebird, and Fraulein, tunes that became part of family road trips and memories his children still smile about and sing. A lover of baseball and deeply patriotic, Jim’s appreciation for the game reflected his love for America, tradition, and shared time together. One of his oft-repeated sayings, remembered fondly by his children, was, “Do as I say, not as I do,” a line delivered with humor, affection, and just enough mischief to make it unmistakably Jim. In his leisure time, Jim enjoyed bowling, riding motorcycles, and took great pride in his carefully maintained collection of guns and knives, hobbies that reflected both his appreciation for craftsmanship and his respect for tradition. A lifelong Freemason, Jim lived the values of brotherhood, integrity, and service. He was a proud member of Camon Lodge #343, actively involved with the Murat Shriners Center, and affiliated with the York Rite. Just weeks before his passing, Jim received a letter from the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana, recognizing that on January 31, 2026, he would earn his Fifty Year Gold Award, an honor reserved for those who have demonstrated decades of dedication and faithful commitment to the Masonic way of life. This milestone reflected not only Jim’s longevity in the fraternity, but the steady character with which he lived, marked by loyalty, service, and quiet integrity. Jim was also a proud veteran. His service to his country will be honored with military rites performed by the Bartholomew County Honor Guard during his inurnment at Garland Brook Cemetery. Jim leaves behind a family who will carry his legacy forward: his beloved wife, Pat Harrison; his children, Richard Harrison, Misty Harrison, and Krista (Andrew) Beller, all of Brown County; his brother, William (Bill) Harrison of Celina, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Kimber, Courtney, Christopher, Ashley, Tasha, Danielle, and Darrean; and fourteen great-grandchildren, Kansas, Zander, Tyler Jr., Elizabeth, Orson, Jayden, Charlie, James, Emma, Alden, Hunter, Brantlee, Gavan, and Karma, each touched in their own way by his love, guidance, humor, and example. Jim’s life bore abundant fruit, evident in the generations of family who loved him, learned from him, and will continue to reflect his values long after his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlisle Frank and Martha Joan Harrison, and his sister, Maryann Blount. A private family gathering will be held, with a Celebration of Life to take place at a later date, where family and friends will come together to remember Jim not only for the years he lived, but for the lives he shaped. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to the Murat Shriners Center, supporting a mission that reflected his heart for service. Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory. Friends and family are invited to light a candle or share a memory at www.jewellrittman.com Those who knew Jim are invited to honor his memory by loving their families well, standing firm for those who need protection, extending compassion freely, and meeting life with both courage and humor. May his example remind us to show up fully, love deeply, and leave the world a little steadier than we found it.