Colonel (Retired) James “Jim” Emmett Harden, Sr. passed away on June 5, 2023, at the age of 83.  

Jim was born to Ovalan Emmett and Verna Louise Harden on April 29, 1940, in River Junction, Florida.  Jim grew up in Arcadia, Florida and completed high school at DeSoto High School.

Jim met his future wife, Sarah “Wincy” Horton Harden, at Florida State University from where they both graduated.  They married in 1963 and were blessed with two children, James “Jamie” E. Harden Jr., and Wincy “Windee” Dee Harden.  

The Hardens were an Air Force family and as such had many moves including Charleston AFB, Osan AFB, Korea, Wurtsmith AFB, Vandenburg AFB, Eglin AFB, Wright-Patterson AFB, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Andrews AFB and lastly Hanscom AFB.  While Jim was in the miliary he graduated Squadron Officer’s School, Air War College and the Seniors Defense Managers Program at Harvard University.  After Jim retired from the military in 1986, he began a second career at Gulfstream Aerospace and the family moved to Savannah, Georgia. At Gulfstream, Jim was a leader of the Government Programs team for over 15 years.

Jim was a long-time member of St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church and served as Senior Warden several times.  He became antsy during retirement and was eager to contribute.  One project he was most proud of was creating the meticulously researched historical reference handbook for the Andrew Low House Museum and the docent manual for the Green-Meldrim House in Savannah.  

Jim and Wincy first lived in Wilmington Island Park and then Long Point.  After Wincy’s passing, Jim moved to Savannah Square where he was active in this new community and made some great friendships.
Above all, Jim was an outstanding husband, father, son, brother and grandfather.  

Jim was predeceased by his wife, his brother, Fred, and his parents.  He is survived by his devoted children, Jamie Harden and Windee Helle, his daughter-in-law, Melanie Turner Harden, and his five grandchildren:  John Battle Harden, Elizabeth Lee (Ellee) Harden, Turner Emmett Harden, Reagan Elizabeth Helle and Cameron James Helle.  Given that Harden animals were always considered family, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention Maddie, the Westie, as well.

We take comfort in the strong belief that Jim is reunited with Wincy and God in Heaven.  He is free of burden, pain and suffering. We know that we will join him someday for eternity.

Jim will be interred with his beloved wife, Wincy, at Arlington National Cemetery.