James Clarence Harkness passed peacefully from this life on January 4, 2023, surrounded by his family and friends.

James Clarence Harkness was born September 6, 1953, to the late Willie L. and Minnie L. Harkness in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio in the early ’60s. James was educated in the Cleveland Public School System: Lafayette, Audubon, and John Adams High School. He joined The United States Army after high school where he served as a Supply Specialist in charge of bivouac and small arms. Upon discharge, he was employed at Republic Steel as a Quench Car operator and later at Fox Detective Security Agency.

“JC” or “Toot”, as he was affectionately called, married Cynthia Smith after the military.  To this union one son Lamont Ahkim Harkness was born prior to the dissolution. Lamont preceded him in death. JC later met and married his long-time friend, Mary Primous. Toot was great with his hands, he could assemble, repair, or fix almost anything. He loved to dance and tell silly jokes. Friends, family, and those he touched will remember his quiet, easygoing personality; but don’t cross him.

James leaves to cherish and memorialize his memory his loving wife Mary and sons Jamal and Ethan, stepson Ramon Primous, Sr.; Siblings, Nathaniel Harkness (Anita), Ms. W. Dean Harkness-Hudson, and JerryHarkness, deceased; Mother-in-law, Mrs. Rosie Primous, grandchildren; Sydney Harkness, CalvinHarkness, Ramon Primous, Jr., Karl, Chatia, Jakira, and Tamisha. Brother and Sisters in law; Sylvester,Rosa and Denise Primous. Nephews; Kimmet G. Hudson and Ivan; Nieces, Stephanie, Michelle and Simone. Great nieces and nephews; Jesseca, Clinisha, and DaRontae; Constant buddies, Alvin Green, Jackie and Gregory Edmondson and a host of other family and friends