James Harcourt

James Patton Harcourt, 53, of Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2011, at his home. He was born August 2, 1957, in Ithaca, N.Y., the son of John Bertram and Mary Ellen (Trueb) Harcourt. He was a 1975 graduate of Ithaca High School in Ithaca, N.Y. and a 1979 graduate of Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y. He went on to earn his Master's degree in Anthropology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., in 1990. On June 28, 1987, James was united in marriage in Fayetteville, Ark., to Janet Denise Sailer, who survives at their home. James worked as an archeologist with the Arkansas Archeological Survey from 1987 to 1994, and with the Missouri Department of Transportation from 1994 to 2011, most recently as a Senior Historic Preservation Specialist. He was a member of the Missouri Archeological Society. James enjoyed photography, gardening, cooking, biking, writing, reading, and being a member of the Lee Street Lobbers Bocce Ball Team. Along with his wife Jan, James is also survived by a daughter: Mary Elizabeth Harcourt (Emmie) of Columbia; his mother: Mary Harcourt of Ithaca, N.Y.; and one sister: Kate Harcourt of New York City, N.Y. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 11, 2011, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Jefferson City, 1021 Northeast Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109, with Rev. Mike Adamek officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local animal shelter or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, (573) 636-3838. millardfamilychapels.com