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Beloved former mayor of Advance dies at 94
No one ever loved his country, his home town, or his family more than James J. Harnes, Sr., and no one ever gave more service than did this tireless, public-spirited community leader.
From the Pacific battlefields of World War II to the hallways of veteran's homes, to the quiet streets of Advance, Missouri, James Harnes was larger than life, a formidable warrior for any noble cause he undertook.
Though old age slowed his steps, it never slowed his mind, until the final moment of his passing at the Missouri Veteran's Home on Dec. 2, 2013 at the age of 94.
Harnes was mayor of Advance from 1992 to 2009, retiring at the age of 90. He was proud of the fact that he was the oldest acting mayor in the U.S.
Though he accepted no pay for his position, he came to work at his desk in city hall nearly every day, reading over ordinances and researching municipal and state law. He was a recognized authority in these fields.
Never content with the status quo, Mayor James Harnes sought new ways to make Advance a better place.
In 1992, he and several other civic leaders helped galvanize community support for a veteran's war memorial in Mabery Park. This project was near and dear to James Harnes' heart and he drew much pleasure from the yearly Memorial Day services which have been held there over the years.
"I have never seen anything pull this community together like that memorial," Harnes said in a 2002 interview. The project was built with $35,000 of community donations.
In 2003, he and his good friend Gary Capps (Stoddard County Industrial Development Co-ordinator) formed a community group called the Advance Community Team (ACT). This organization accomplished several of its goals--the 2004 creation of a public library, the 2006 reopening of the Advance Community Senior Center, the creation of the "Wall of Fame" in the senior center, and the building of four granite signs for each entrance into the city (three of which are in place.)
"Mayor Harnes left the city in good financial shape when he retired," former alderman and mayor pro-temp Leeman Shirrell said. "He was probably the best mayor Advance ever had."
At the Dec. 2, 2013 Advance Board of Aldermen meeting in city hall, current mayor Carl Ritter paid tribute to the man who persuaded him to run for mayor in 2010.
"I wouldn't be sitting here if Mayor Harnes hadn't asked me to run," Ritter said. "I worked with him on the board of aldermen for several years, and I felt that he was dedicated to the improvement of the city."
As mayor, James Harnes was instrumental in bringing Cross Trails Medical Center to Advance. The building, which was opened on Oct. 7, 2010, was built in the center of town on land formerly owned by the city, the Bank of Advance, and the descendants of Dr. E. C. Masters. James Harnes was on the Cross Trails Board of Trustees for the project.
In 2007, Gary Capps nominated Harnes for the Southeast Missourian newspaper's "Spirit of America" award, referring to his old friend as "the person I admire the most."
Harnes refused to accept the award on his own behalf, insisting that it belonged to the entire community that had made him what he was.
James Harnes enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 at the age of 21. He went to Officer's Training School in 1942. After 20 years of service, he retired with the rank of Captain. He was wounded in New Guinea in 1944 and the Philippines in 1945.
Though he rarely spoke of his military service, relatives have gleaned a few stories over the years.
One such story recounts how he and his men were being fired upon, and Harnes charged the cave with nothing but a flame thrower. He was wounded in this encounter.
In a story he once told this reporter, he led another soldier out of danger, dodging bullets from the enemy.
Another part of the Harnes legend tells how he was chosen as a member of the original Navy SEALS, who were then called Underwater Demolition Team frogmen. In the early days, the Navy offered this option to outstanding servicemen from other branches.
James J. Harnes, Sr. was truly a fearless soldier, whether fighting on the battlefield or facing hard decisions in his leadership of the city he so loved.
He will be sorely missed.