James Harshbarger

(James) Mark Harshbarger, 65, passed away on November 3, 2022, in Nashville, TN.  Mark was born on May 1, 1957, in Mattoon, IL and is survived by wife Kathy (King) Harshbarger, daughter Sara (Chad) Joyce and son Steven (Mallory) Joyce, and brothers Rodney (Gale) Cook, Paul (Jane) Cook, Mike (Jeanie) Harshbarger and Mitch (Melissa) Abbott, and grandchildren Kai Shoulders, Lexi Shoulders, Charlie Shoulders and Julian James Joyce.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Larry and Ruby (Eaton) Harshbarger.

Mark was a strong Christian man, and a loving husband to Kathy and father to daughter Sara and son Steven for almost 25 years, and a doting “Gramps” to his grandchildren.

Mark was employed by the City of Gallatin and previously was the owner of BNA Express.

Mark was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, and in recent years rooted for UT as well.  Mark was a youth football coach and Assistant Football Coach at Merrol Hyde Middle school.

Mark was amateur singer/songwriter and loved playing and collecting guitars, and enjoyed listening to 70’s rock music, particularly Grand Funk Railroad. Mark also loved sci-fi movies, the beach and warm weather.  He was probably best known for wearing a stocking cap 24/7, no matter the weather!

Mark’s strong Christian Faith led him to teach Sunday School and Divorce Care at his church for several years.  He was well-versed in scripture and a mentor to others; Mark’s favorite Bible verse was: Joshua 24:15“…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

A time of remembrance  for James will be held at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville in the Hearth Room on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 2pm-4pm.  If you would like to honor Mark, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society, or the American Diabetes Association.