Harmon: The Passing of “Gunny Jawn” life member

Emcee Pat Coulter congratulated CC John "Gunny" Harmon for receiving the 2011 President's Award.

At 94, Gunny John Harmon brought smiles to young and old. We will greatly miss him.

One of the hardest part of this Executive Director’s  job is occasionally having to announce a member’s passing.  It is especially difficult this morning as we announce the passing of John “Gunny Jawn” Harmon, 94, a Life Member, “supporter extreme” and a fixture at our annual conference each year.

John died at the California Veterans Home, Barstow, CA on November 21.  Though confined to a wheel chair in recent years, he was religious about his support of this Association as well as making it to conferences.  This past September the Association recognized him with the President’s Award for his strong support, both financially and vocally over the years.  If you will take a look at the most recent Conference Journal you will see his name as sponsor of five Merit Awards.  He once told us that whatever we needed to keep the program going, let him know and he would take care of it.  In addition to all of his help he will be remembered by young warriors and old as a very nice guy!  We will definitely miss his occasional telephone calls which always began with a parade-ground bellow:  “Gunny Harmon here!”  He will be missed!

John was born in Sheridan, PA in March 1917.  He served in the Marine Corps from 1941 to 1964, participating in the invasion and defense of Guadalcanal in 1942.  He entered our field in the late 1940s and served in various public affairs capacities until he retired in 1964.  Following retirement from the Marine Corps he was employed by the San Diego County Social Service Office.  Later, in Sonoma, he was active in various community endeavors.  He is survived by his children, Karen Atkins, Boise, ID, Bob Harmon, Hemet, CA and John B. Harmon III, Barstow; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Burial services were private.

Member comments desired.