Obituary of Richard J. Harms

Richard J. Harms, 82, of 4384 Gerry Levant Road, Gerry, NY, died Saturday April 28, 2018, in UPMC Chautauqua WCA. A native of Batavia, NY, he was born May 14, 1935, a son of the late August "John" and Doris Schultz Harms. He was a 1952 graduate of Batavia High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Valparaiso University in 1956. On May 16, 1959, he married his childhood sweetheart, Gail Werner Harms, who preceded him in death on May 3, 2009. First employed as a thermodynamic engineer with Bell Aerospace, he worked on numerous rocket engines and thrusters that included the design of the Apollo lunar ascent engine. In 1972, he built, owned, and operated Safari Campground in Dewittville, NY, for 11 years while also working as an energy consultant for several companies. He was involved in the initial engineering of the Jamestown District Heating project. Before retiring in 2000, he was employed as a research and design engineer for Blackstone / Valeo Engine Cooling for 16 years. While his career had several noteworthy aspects, his greatest pride was his family, their accomplishments, and their faith in Christ. He was a dedicated man of God, prayed as if God was sitting next to him and was active in the Hillcrest Baptist Church. He particularly relished being together with family, and enjoyed emailing and maintaining connections with numerous extended family and friends. In his free time he loved model railroading and researching genealogy; however, his favorite pastime was working in his woods. Surviving are four children Mark (Catharine) Harms of Eden, NY, Sherry (Gregory) Lorei of Waxhaw, NC, Michele Harms of Gerry and John (Joanna) Harms of Mechanicsburg, PA; seven grandchildren Sarah (Stephen) Cledgett of Leicester, NY, Miriam Harms of Geneva, NY, Laura Harms of Eden, NY, Joanna Lorei and Lydia Lorei both of Waxhaw, NC and Marion Harms and Michael Harms both of Mechanicsburg; a great-granddaughter Emma Cledgett; and three brothers David Harms of Batavia, NY, Donald Harms of Chadds Ford, PA, and Robert Harms of Durango, CO. The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Hillcrest Baptist Church. Rev. Mark Hinman will officiate. Burial will be in Gerry Cemetery. Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 40 Hallock Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 or Our Daily Bread Ministries, PO Box 2222 Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2222. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com