James Kenneth Harter

James Kenneth Harter, a Lab retiree, died at his home in Castro Valley Sept. 25, after a battle with brain cancer. He was 61.

Harter was born in Liberty Center, Ohio and graduated from Ohio State University before joining the U. S. Navy. He served five years and was stationed on the submarine U.S.S. Swordfish as a nuclear reactor operator.

After the Navy, he settled in California and worked as a research scientist at LLNL for 33 years, before his retirement.

Harter enjoyed reading books and doing crossword puzzles. He tutored children in math and science and took great pleasure driving his grandchildren to and from their events.

He enjoyed following the Ohio State football team and the Oakland A’s and was an active member of the Moose Lodge where he won frequently at dice and cribbage.

He is survived by his children, Kenneth Harter; Scott and Michael Honer; Marcee Strickell and son-in-law, Bob Strickell; four grandsons; brothers, Oliver of Texas and Darrel of Ohio; brother and sister-in-law, Bud and Terry Perry; two nieces and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ethel and Kenneth Harter.

Services were held in Danville Oct. 18.

Donations may be made in Harter’s name to the National Brain Tumor Society, East Coast Office, 124 Watertown St., Suite 2D, Watertown, MA 02472 or Stepping Stones Growth Center, 311 MacArthur Blvd., San Leandro, CA 94577.