Jimmie Ellis Harmes

Jimmie Ellis Harmes, MSgt USAF (Retired) Aug.14, 1958, to Feb. 29, 1980, of Huber Heights, Ohio, passed away Aug. 11, 2021, after a brief illness. Born Oct. 11,1940, in Des Moines, Iowa, Jimmie grew up in Eldora, Iowa. He graduated from Eldora High School in 1958, and enlisted in the USAF on Aug. 14, 1958. After basic training, Jimmie attended Radio Intercept school at Keesler AFB, MS graduating April 14, 1959.

His first assignment was Northeast Cape Air Force Station Alaska, with USAF Security Service. He then made a change in career field to Communications and multiple assignments, first at Lowry AFB in Colorado, then NATO 5AT AF in Verona, Italy, HQ SAC Offutt AFB in Nebraska, AFSOUTH NATO Naples, Italy, back to Offutt AFB, Neb., PHAN Rang AFB, RVN. Pope AFB NC, in support of the 82nd Airborne, JCS at the Pentagon JCS Badge. Finally, Wright Patt AFB, Ohio.

Awards: Joint Service Commendation Medal, AF Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, AF Longevity Service Medal with three Bronze Svc Stars, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Bronze Oak Leaf cluster, AF Outstanding Unit with Valor, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal 1 Jun 1963 - 14 Aug 1979, Meritorious Service Medal. NCO of the Year AFSOUTH 1968, NCO of the Month Dec 1971, Phan Rang AB, RVN, NCO of the Quarter Apr - Jun 1977.

After AF retirement, civil service first as dispatcher for Wright Patt Fire Dept, DECS, DMATS. Jimmie was Civilian of Year 2046th Comm 1985, Supervisor of Quarter July - Sept. 2046th Cg 1990, community T-Ball Coach for Huber Heights, Sluggers 1979, Assist Coach Huber Heights Youth Soccer, Hawks 1980. Beloved husband, father and grandfather, “Papa.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis Harmes and Elizabeth Gaines; grandparents, Guy and Emma Harms; infant son, Michael Alan Harmes and grandson, Hunter Michael White. Survived by wife of 50 years, Suzanne Harmes, Lt. Col. USAF (retired); daughter and son-in-law, Kelly Ann and Cheyney White; grandson, Brandon C. White; sister-in-law, Sandy Murray; niece, Heather Murray; nephew, Fox Murray.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, at Newcomer North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Rd., Dayton, Ohio. A graveside service is at 10 a.m. Friday at the Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 W. Third St., Dayton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association or Heartland/Promedica Hospice. The family extends thanks to Preserve of Beavercreek and Promedica Hospice for their compassionate care. Visit Newcomerdayton.com to share a memory of Jimmie or leave a condolence for his family.