James Paul Harless, 73, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2011 at his home in Radford. He was born on August 31, 1937 in Giles County the son of the late Clarence K. and Hazel W. Harless. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers Cecil, Marshall and Douglas Harless. Surviving are his loving wife of 52 years, Helen T. Harless; two sons, James Harless, Jr. of Christiansburg and Jeffery S. Harless of Fairlawn; daughter-in-law, Kathy Harless whom he dearly loved; five granddaughters, Megan, Whitney, Chelsea, Bailey and Kelsey; three great-grandchildren; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Lois H. and Donald Stafford of Fairlawn, Betty H. and James Roberts of Pearisburg, Patsy H. and Robert, Jr., Bruce of Christiansburg, and Diane and Scotty Fewell of Dublin; and one brother and sister-in-law, William and Betty Harless of Bear Springs. James was a member of the Fairlawn United Methodist Church. He was employed by Norfolk and Western Railroad, Signal Dept. and retired from Radford Army Ammunition Plant as maintenance foreman with 32 years of service. James has been a cornerstone for his family and a tremendous example of courage. Those who had the privilege of knowing James will remember him for the quiet dignity and grace he brought to relationships with family and friends. To the ones that have been there for James and his family, we express our sincere gratitude, especially Good Samaritan Hospice nurses Ruth, Tammy and Tony, and special friend Ronald Nester. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 9, 2011 at 7 pm at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford with Rev. Randy Morris officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 5 pm at the funeral home. Committal will be private on Tuesday morning at Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Good Samaritan Hospice, 1160 Moose Drive, NW, Christiansburg, VA 24073. The Harless family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.