Jim was an executive vice president of FGM Architects before his retirement. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL, and also served in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Mr. Harter was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Kay Lorraine Harter, nee Schwarz, whom he married on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1962, and who died on April 24, 2013; and his parents, James J. and Cecilia A., nee Joseph, Harter.
Surviving are two sons and a daughter, James J. III (Susan) Harter of Cranston, RI,
Jeffrey J. (Jill) Harter of St. Louis, MO,
and Jennifer K. (Dr. Alex) Schillinger of Lebanon, IL;
six grandchildren, Brienne Harter, Samantha Harter,
Alexis Schillinger, Madelyn Schillinger, Ethan Schillinger, and Ryan Schillinger;
three brothers, William (Janet) Harter of Belleville, IL,
Robert (Mary Beth) Harter of Charlotte, NC,
and Mark (Elaine) Harter of Belleville, IL;
two sisters-in-law, Jean Ann (Robert) Donley of McKinney, TX,
and Rebecca (Robert) Riess of Jenks, OK;
and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2016, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 9:30 a.m. Monday, November 14, 2016, from the funeral home for an 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Smithton, IL, with Fr. James Deiters celebrating.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For James Harter Jr.
Jim and I worked on many projects together and he became more than an acquaintance. I consider myself fortunate to have known and worked with him. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark P. Page, Belleville, IL, 62221
We have had the pleasure of working with Jim for the last several years on painting projects at his home. He spoke so proudly of his family and the love he had for his wife. We are very grateful to have had the privilege to have known and worked with Jim and we are saddened to hear of his passing. He left an unforgettable impression. His family is in our thoughts and prayers. Your Friends from Cordes Painting
Cordes Painting, WATERLOO, Illinois, 62298
We will miss Jim’s voice in the choir at St. John’s. He was a very sweet and generous man. I will miss seeing his smile.
Clarice McKay, Smithton, IL, 62285
My sincerest sympathy to the Harter family. Your dad was a true Christian and top shelf professional. I graduated from St Mary’s with your mom and dad.
Tom Vernier , Millstadt, IL, 62260
I was proud to call Jim my partner for many years at FGM Architects. I speak for everyone who worked with Jim when I say Thank You for being such a role model. A consummate professional Jim served as a mentor to many young Architects- his contributions will be long remembered.
John Ochoa, Hinsdale, Illinois, 60521
Jeff and family,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. Cherish your memories with him!
Cyndi
Cyndi Hilton, Saint Charles , MO, 63303
I worked for Jim at FGM in 1994 & 1995. He was a good & kind man & a good boss. I respected Jim very much. Sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.
Larry Stamm, Belleville, Illinois, 62220
My thoughts and prayers are with the Harter family during this difficult time.
Paul Feder, Belleville, IL, 62226