Jim Harder

Jim Harder, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Per his wishes no services are scheduled.  Cremation is under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.

Jim was born April 3, 1945, in Borger, Texas to Ware and Ruby Harder.  A 1963 graduate of Borger High School, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Texas Tech University.  After college Jim enlisted in the United States Navy Seabees where he was eventually promoted to Engineering Aide 2^nd Class.  A proud second-generation member of the military’s greatest construction force, he saw service on Midway Island, Diego Garcia, and Antarctica from 1970-1974.

After returning to Borger, Jim met Suzanne Hill and they were married on November 29, 1974, in Stinnett, Texas.  Jim and Suzie went on to raise their two children in Borger and spent their lives together in the home that they designed and built in 1982.

Jim was a Registered Professional Land Surveyor and a Licensed Professional Engineer, retiring from the City of Borger as Director of Utilities in 2016. He was also the owner of Harder Surveying, performing countless home surveys throughout Hutchinson County over the span of multiple decades.

Jim’s hobbies included building and flying remote controlled airplanes, metal working, and shooting.  He loved travelling, especially to see his family in West Virginia, and took his family on many vacations, visiting every conceivable battlefield, fort, and museum in the United States.  Jim was a loving husband, devoted father, and true friend.  However, nothing in life made him happier than spending time with his six grandkids. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ware and Ruby Harder, and multiple aunts and uncles.  Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Suzie of Borger; daughter, Lara Harder-Contreras of Stinnett; son, Alan Harder and wife Maegan of Amarillo; and grandchildren, Peyton Tharp, Makenna Tharp, Rayden Contreras, James Harder, Oliver Harder and Theodore Harder.