James "Jim" Harrell, 95, of Ashton, died August 3, 2023, at the Ashton Living Center of causes incident to age.

He was born May 7, 1928, at Hilger, Montana to Evert McClemens Harrell and Hester Mae Eastin Harrell.  He and his family moved to Idaho Falls in 1936, where he lived and attended elementary school.  He moved to Terreton, Idaho in 1940, helping his father and family farm.  He attended Roberts High School.

While in high school he fell in love with his life companion, Sadie Anne Harris, whom he married on October 18, 1948, after serving three years in the U.S. Marine Corps.  They moved to Ashton where they resided throughout their married life.  To this union the Lord blessed them with three children, Dennis, Claudia, and Peggy.

Jim worked at Ashton Motor Company, Ford Dealership owned by Jack Swager until 1956, when it was purchased by Kay Frome and George Hill of St. Anthony.  Jim managed the Ford Dealership for a year before purchasing a local insurance and real estate agency in 1957, doing business as Harrell Agency.  He and Sadie owned and operated the business until 1986, when they sold the insurance portion of their business, keeping and operating the real estate business as Harrell Realty until January 2004.

He had been an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, having served as Congregation Chairman, a Sunday School teacher, and held other elected offices.  He later joined the Ashton Christian Fellowship and was an active member at the time of his death.

While operating their business he also served as Treasurer for the City of Ashton from 1958 to 1971, and Mayor of Ashton from 1971 to 1983.  He was Secretary Treasurer for the Fremont Cemetery Maintenance District No. 1 for 31 years.  He also served on Fremont County's first Planning and Zoning Commission.  He was active in local business and civic organizations - having served as a member of the first Ashton Lions Club, Ashton Chamber of Commerce, and later a member of the Ashton Rotary Club.  He held the office of President and other elected offices in each organization.  He also served as Zone Chairman while a member of Ashton Lions Club.  He was a member of the American Legion and served as Post Commander, Chaplain, and other offices of Ashton Post No. 89.

He loved the Lord and his family, enjoyed family outings and activities.  His hobbies were fishing, golfing, camping, and traveling.

He is survived by his children, Dennis (Barbara) Harrell, Claudia (David) Neu; Peggy (Darrin) Kerbs; grandchildren, Denice Harrell McDowell, Greta Nedrow Ball, Rebecca Anne Neu O'Bryan, Johnathan Harrell, Derek Nedrow and Timothy Neu, and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Sadie Anne; four sisters, Ruby, Marie, Lucille, and Martha; and four brothers, Ernie, Jake, Harold, and Butch.

His favorite Bible passage is Romans 8:37-39.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9, at the Ashton Christian Fellowship, 784 Baker Road, with Pastor Steve Davis officiating.  The family will receive friends Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the church prior to services.  Interment will be in the Pineview Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion Post 89, and the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard.

Services will be streamed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/jim-harrell

Jim Harrell Funeral Program