James Donald Harvey

James Donald Harvey, age 85, passed away Friday, July 15, 2022. He was born June 9, 1937, to James Duncan (JD) and Olive (Parker) Harvey in Detroit, Michigan. As one friend described Jim, & quot; "he was a unique individual" & quot.

Jim was a graduate of Frank Cody High School in Detroit, Michigan. During his high school years, he spent many Saturdays at the Detroit Institute of Art, studying drawing and art history, which led to a lifelong passion for art. He came to Ohio in 1954 to attend Western Reserve University (currently Case Western Reserve University), graduating in 1958. Jim began his career in higher education administration at his alma mater before embarking on a 27-year career at Baldwin Wallace College. There he served as Vice President of Finance and completed his MBA degree. Jim later served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Ashland University from 1987-1991. In 1991 he became President of the Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and retired in 1996. He mentored many students at each of these institutions and made lifelong friends. He thrived on creating new ideas and always finding a "better way" to accomplish something, reveling in the new challenge.

In 1960, Jim and his father JD purchased a farm in Seville, Ohio, and formed Harvey's Hereford Farm. Later, he and his late wife, Beverly, founded Harvey Arabians. Jim raised his family on the farm, where he instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. In addition, he taught his family many life skills and an appreciation for nature, animals, art, and travel.

Jim defied the odds for more than 30 years with a serious health condition, but it never slowed him down. He traveled through the U.S., Canada, and Europe, visited many art museums, attended numerous horse shows, and was a voracious reader.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, JD and Olive Harvey, his wife Beverly, and stepson, Jonathan Kuhns.

Jim will be greatly missed by his wife, Louise (Miller Kuhns) Harvey and his children, James David Harvey (Shannon), Katherine M. Power, John D. Harvey (Janell) and Jessica D. Harvey, and grandchildren Megan, James, and Patrick Harvey, Michael Power, Jackson, Jillian, Jenna, and Julia Harvey and Jenkins Denney.

The family will celebrate his life with a private service on the farm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James D. Harvey Scholarship at Ashland University, 401 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.