James Marvin Harvey

MADISON - James Marvin Harvey, age 86, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Angels Grace Hospice. He was born on June 2, 1940, in Bell, Calif., the son of David Harvey and Lois (Jones) (Harvey) Bennett.

Jim moved to Wisconsin when he was just 3 years old. He grew up on the family farm, attended Portage High School and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Economics.

James built a long and successful career in the diesel engine industry. He shared his expertise and passion for the industry as a member of the MATC Diesel Advisory Board, and he was proud to be a UW-Madison alumnus. He was also a member of the Antique Truck Historical Society.

In 1962, Jim married his first wife, Patsy (Steinhaus) Harvey, who preceded him in death in 1974. In 1975, he stopped at Christine’s workplace to purchase a part, and their unexpected meeting blossomed into a lasting love. Jim and Christine were married in Madison in March 1976, celebrating their union with a reception at the Pig’s Ear. Jim and Christine celebrated 50 years of marriage this past March.

James was a quiet man with a gentle spirit-a true gentle giant. He was exceptionally handy and had a remarkable ability to tackle just about any project. There was seemingly nothing he couldn't fix, build or figure out. He thought through every detail and took great pride in doing things well.

He treasured time with his family and enjoyed making memories together. The family enjoyed many adventures in their conversion van, including a trip to Florida. In 1984, the family traveled to England and explored all it had to offer. These experiences and the time spent together remain treasured memories. Faith was the central pillar of his life, and he was a longtime member of Moundville Methodist Church. He walked closely with Jesus and is with him now.

James will be dearly missed by his wife, Christine; sons, Tom (Deb Lallier) Harvey, Dan (Christina) Harvey and Carl (Kim) Pearson; daughter, Linda (Daniel) Layber; brother, Robert Harvey; grandchildren, Tony, Jared, Patsy, Jordan, Alexandra, Molly, Blake, Megan, David, Leah, Emma, Brittney, Brandon, Sydney, Jenny and Sophie; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Patsy; and sister-in-law, Betty Harvey.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit James’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the service and click on "Watch Now" in the Webcast section. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday. A graveside service will take place at OAK HILL CEMETERY, N4307 Ninth Ave., Montello, at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026.
 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Andrew Wommack Ministries (www.awmi.net), Billy Graham Ministries (www.billygraham.org) or Moundville Methodist Church (www.trinityunitedparish.org/give).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420