James C. Harrison

James C. “Jim” Harrison, 79, of Lauderdale Junction, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. A military honors service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024 at Laurel Hill Memorial Park in Cle Elum.

Jim was born on April 30, 1945 in Tacoma, Washington and graduated from high school in 1963. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1965 and completed his basic training at Fort Ord, California and Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia that same year. He completed training for Special Forces at Fort Bragg, North Carolina from 1965-1966. 

During his enlistment, Jim served with both the 3rd and 5th Special Forces Groups. While in Vietnam from 1967-1968, he was assigned to the 5th SFG in Sigma Project B-56 and served as the communication launch site noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) at Song Be and Quan Loi during Daniel Boone Operations. He also went on numerous Hatchet Force company and platoon size operations as a platoon leader. 

Jim was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, US and Vietnamese Jump Wings as well as other lesser awards. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant E-5 in 1968.

Upon returning home, Jim worked for his dad in a small retail bakery and later as a shift production supervisor for a large wholesale bakery. In 1990, Jim and his wife, Debbie, moved to Kittitas County where they have resided since that time. He served for many years as volunteer firefighter for Kittitas County Fire District #7 and was honored as Firefighter of the Year in 2001. He retired from the district at the rank of lieutenant.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com