James M. Harrah, Sr.

James M. Harrah, Sr. was born on July 21, 1946 to the late Buck and Jean Harrah. A lifetime Akron and Springfield resident, Jim returned to God and to be with his loving wife Florence on September 27, 2017. Jim served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7) and retired from Pepsi-Cola with 38 years of service.


He is the loving father of Cindy (Mark) Abernathy and James (Serena) Harrah, Jr. He is survived by sisters Geneva (Ray) Congrove and Minda (Steve) Barlow; 5 grandchildren: Robert (Brittani) Harrah, Jared (Heather) Abernathy, Tiffany (Mike) Harrah, Cody (Amethyst) and Charlie Abernathy.


He also leaves behind 7 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Linda Moldaver; niece, Veronica Miktarian: nephew, Paul Miktarian; great-niece, Angela Norman. He is preceded in death by the love his life Florence, and brother, Ron Harrah; and nephews, James Norman and Josh Miktarian. Until we meet again, Jim you will be greatly missed. A private family service will be held to honor our beloved patriarch. He and his wife will be laid to rest at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.