James "Jim" Harding

October 10, 1947 - July 5, 2013

James “Jim” Harding, a long-time resident of Berkeley, Alameda, and Oakland, CA passed away on July 5, 2013 due to medical complications of his long-standing diabetic condition. Jim was born October 10, 1947 in Seattle, WA to James and Nadine Harding. As his father was in the Navy, he spent his early childhood traveling the country and world as his father moved from station to station in Washington, Florida, French Morocco, Virginia, and finally Long Beach, San Francisco, and Berkeley in California. He graduated from Berkeley High School in 1966 and then attended Merritt College, Grove Street Campus. While at Merritt, he worked as a student and an hourly employee in the Media and Electronics departments. This began his long working career of 42 years in the Peralta Community College District, first at the Merritt Grove Street Campus, then as the AV Technician at College of Alameda from 1970 to 1983, as the Electronics Technician at the Peralta District Office from 1983 to 1988, and finally as the AV and Media Specialists at Merritt College form 1988 to August 18, 2008, when he retired. Jim is survived by his loving wife June; daughter Stefanie and her husband Bobby; granddaughter Riley; sisters Doris and Joyce and their husbands Lloyd and Adrian; nieces and nephews Dawn, Brian, Sean, and Christina and their children Tyler, Kaila, Brian, Evan, and Emily; as well as his sisters- and brother-in-law Linda, Pam, and John; and nieces and nephews Melanie, Laurel, Jennifer, Suni, and Travis; and grand-nephews Tristan and Dorian. A private family memorial service will be held on Friday, July 19, 2013 followed by another on July 25, 2013 at Merritt College from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. for his many co-workers and friends. Jim dedicated his life to the Peralta Community College District and provided his assistance to anyone in need. He will be missed!