John Blaine ‘Jack’ Harkison, the son of Charles and Jennie (Grove) Harkison was born on October 16, 1928 in Rugby, North Dakota.  He died at the age of 85 years on August 5, 2014 at the Trinity Medical Center in Minot, North Dakota.

Jack was raised in the home of his parents and received his education in Rugby.  He was a member of the North Dakota National Guard and was activated into the U.S. Army on January 16, 1951.  He served in Occupied Japan and was honorably discharged from the Army on October 26, 1953.  Following his discharge, he returned to Rugby and worked road construction for a time and then did custodial and maintenance work for the Pierce County Tribune and North Central Printing Company for many years. Jack enjoyed fishing and spending time visiting with and playing music for the residents in long term care. He was a member of First Lutheran Church and The Clarence Larson American Legion Post #23 in Rugby.

He is survived by his nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Avonne Jaeger; a brother, Denneth Harkison; and his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Lutheran Church, Rugby with burial in the Persilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby. Pastor Mike Pretzer, officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the time of services on Monday at the church.

Military Honors Accorded by:  Clarence Larson American Legion Post #23 Honor and Color Guard of Rugby and The North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Detail