James Ernest Harbin  1953-2020

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James Ernest Harbin passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020, in Luling at age 66. He was born in Houston on May 23, 1953, to James W. “Bud” and Ortha Higgins Harbin.  

James was always attracted to cars, even at a young age. He was captivated by fast cars, with his favorite being his Corvettes, motorcycles and music. He had a curiosity for life and people, and he captivated all who met him with his personality, charm, smile and humor. James was a self-taught musician and played bass guitar. He traveled the world with various music artists, including Van Halen (Europe), Black Sabbath, Paul McCartney (Japan) the Beach Boys and Jackson Brown (Cuba), Reba McEntire and Waylon Jennings. He lived most of his life in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. While on the road with the Beach Boys, he survived a severe accident while on set which caused a significant brain injury, after which he lived the rest of his “new normal” at The Springs in Gonzales and thrived through his own resilience and the love his family and loving and sincere caregivers who truly became his family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Floy Harbin.  He is survived by his daughters, Emily Flynn of Charlestown, R.I. and Vanesa Harbin of South Kingstown, R.I.; his brother, Daniel Harbin; sisters, Neva Mae Potts and Carolyn Varcados; two grandchildren; step-mother, Dorothy Harbin; extended family and a multitude of friends.  

A graveside service was held on May 2, 2020, at Concord Cemetery in Quitman. A memorial service will be held at a later date.  

Arrangements in care of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, Texas.  www.penningtonfuneralhome.com.