James Harley

James Calvin Harley, 77, of Erie, Pennsylvania, departed this life on May 20, 2026. He was born on April 21, 1949, in Vardaman, Mississippi, to the late Clarence Harley and Myrtice Watson-McKinney (Lee).

James was raised by his beloved grandparents, George Watson and Beria Watson. He later journeyed from Vardaman, Mississippi, and later made his home in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he built a life centered on family, hard work, and community.

He began his working years at Hayes Manufacturing before dedicating 37 years of service to Keystone Brass in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.

James was a loving father, grandfather, and friend, a man known for his strong work ethic, generosity, and deep love for his family. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, and gardening—often tending to his garden alongside his special aunt, Dorothy Prescott. He also loved dogs and watching classic black-and-white Western movies. He loved listening to the baseball and blues, especially on quiet Saturday mornings. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox. In his younger years, he coached a softball league for the Martin Lutheran King Center “MLK” for three years..

He raised and helped care for Shaderra and Lamarion (Dusty) providing them with love, guidance, and stability.

James was known for his caring and giving spirit. He looked after neighborhood children, fed those in need, and served as a protector within his community.

Then, in his later years, when his health declined, he was cared for with great devotion by his grandchildren and extended family, including Lamarion, Sidonia, Derricka, and Shaderra, and extended family, Elizabeth Smith Prescott. He moved in and was carried for by his daughter Roxanne and Tony Twillie, among others, his best friend, the mother of his children, Ola Mae Arnold- Jones.

James departed this life and was greeted in his eternal home by his father, Clarence Harley; his mother, Myrtis Watson-McKinney (Lee); his grandfather, George Watson; his grandmother, Beria McKinney-Watson; his son, James Calvin Harley Jr.; his grandson, David Scott Tate Jr.; his brothers, Osby Johnson (JC), Jessy Lee Harley, and Lee McKinney; and his sisters, Patricia Watson-McKinney and Jeanette Harley.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory of his daughters, Dr. Sandra Sidonia Arnold, and Roxanne Arnold, all of Erie, Pennsylvania; his stepson, Jamal Davis Arnold (Erie); his siblings, Peggy McKinney-
Jones and Billy Harley(Annie); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews, cousins, extended family, and a Godson, Andre Tamplin.

 James will be remembered for his strength, kindness, and the love he shared so freely. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to First Good Samaritan A.M.E. Zion Church, 3209 Pennsylvania Ave. Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to the time of service at 12:00 Noon with Reverend Dr. Alonzo Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Erie Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503. Online condolences may be sent to Davisgarrfuneralhome.com.

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