James Irvin Hargis

James I. Hargis, 95, died Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at his home in San Angelo with his wife, Virginia, by his side. James was born August 11, 1920 in Nash, Texas and grew up in Brownsville, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, earning an electrical engineering degree. James served 38 months in the United States Navy at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station during World War II. James was president of Lighting Group LTD, J.H. Lighting Consultants, and the New Jersey Chapter Producers Council. He was a founding member of the Illuminating Engineers Society of New Jersey and lectured for more than 30 years about lighting engineering. James was a member of the Montclair Society of Engineers, a 60-year member of the Copestone-Ophir Masonic Lodge, and a very active member of the Montclair Historical Society. He was a very active member of St. James Episcopal Church in Montclair, New Jersey, serving as the director of Brotherhood of St. Andrews, warden of the vestry, director of acolytes, and a cup bearer. James was preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years, Lethé Allen Kellinger. They were the fourth consecutive generation in his family to be married more than 50 years. He also was preceded in death by brothers Cecil Hargis and Bartlett Hargis, and niece Nancy McCann. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Virginia Hargis; step-daughters Patricia O’Brien and Miki Clemens of San Angelo and their families; his brother, Gerry Hargis of Mexico, his sister, Elizabeth Terrazas of Grandbury, Texas, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. The Graveside service will be 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 24, at The Cemetery of the Highlands in Highland Mills, New York. Arrangements by Harper Funeral Home. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.