of Fort Smith, AR
May 19, 1953 - February 6, 2022
Dr. James Robert Harbin, 68, of Fort Smith passed away February 6, 2022.
He was born May 19, 1953 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Robert Harbin and Madeline (Bufford) Harbin.
Survivors include his sister, Janice Doyle (Van) of Lynn; and five nephews, Gordon King of Batesville, Terry Doyle (Royetta), Billy Doyle (Lana), David Doyle (Mindy), and Randy Doyle (Amanda) all of Lynn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sherrie King; and nephew, Wally King.
Arrangements were entrusted to Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
Dr. Harbin was such a nice individual. He was my professor and we shared laughs. God rest his soul. He really was such a great human.
Dr. Harbin was my doctor many years until he retired. He was also a dear friend with whom I enjoyed discussing history! Heartfelt condolences to the family. Jim was a wonderful person and a respected physician.
I dated Jim before he went to medical school and then again after. Such fond memories of being young, he started out as a pharmacist in Little Rock. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for the family.
I am so heartbroken, I tried to contact him to tell him of my brothers passing and found this out. I’ll miss you always â¤ï¸
I am so sorry to hear about Dr.Harbin he was my favorite Doctor and was a good hearted person who took the time to explain was wrong with you how he was going to make you better without talking to you like a child. R..I.P.
He was a good man. We haven't seen him in many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of sorrow.
James Harbin D.O. was a wonderful physician, professor, and friend to everyone he encountered. I met Dr. Harbin when Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine was just beginning. He immediately befriended me, and I was so thankful to have James as a member of our Osteopathic Principles and Practice Department at ARCOM as well as being a dear friend.
Dr. Harbin was such a kind, tender-hearted man. You only heard uplifting, encouraging words from him. I knew when he came by my office that I would be in much better spirits when he departed. James was a servant, always looking for ways to help out. He loved our medical students, and they knew it. James had a way of putting a smile on both students, faculty, and administrative staff.
We had many lunches and dinners together and I always enjoyed his fellowship. James baby-sat our dogs when I was out of town, and you could tell they’d been loved when I returned. He was truly a bright spot at ARCOM and will be deeply missed. He was a friend and a brother to me.
Stuart Williams D.O.
Founding Chair of Osteopathic Principles and Practice
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Harbin was one of the kindest, most generous and gentle persons I have ever met. He told me a lot of dirty jokes too, which were surprising and hilarious. He gave me two of his kittens along with everything I would need to take care of them. They are a constant reminder of how much he meant to me. He would randomly stop by from time to time just to see how I was doing and would always drop off food or a good book or a toy for the kittens. He also taught me not only medical facts but also random bits of information one might need to win at trivia night. He was a true friend and mentor. I will miss him dearly.
Sincerely,
Aaron
Dr. Harbin, thank you for being a light wherever you went. You will be missed dearly.
Dr. Harbin, Jim was what he wanted us to call him. I’ve only known him approximately 10 years. We became friends, we would share meals, exchange cards & letters. He was a beautiful writer, and said he loved communicating the old fashion way, handwritten. He loved visiting with friends and family, and quick to smile and laugh, he enjoyed exchanging small personal gifts. He will be missed.
Dr. Harbin was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. I never saw him in a bad mood or angry. He always made it a priority to let me and my classmates know how great we were. He once told me how my school was so lucky to have me - what he didn’t know is that I needed that that day. I just recently found out he told everyone that, but he made me feel special that day. He very often lifted my spirits when I needed it most. He could light up a room with his smile - he will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
Dr. Harbin was a beautiful soul that made the world a better place.
Memory Eternal.
Dr. Harbin was the kindest and most joyful professor I had the honor of learning from. He truly loved his students and gave us the encouragement we needed to become great physicians. I am praying for his family and close friends during this time. Dr. Harbin was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Dr. Harbin was a great influence to many people and students at ARCOM! He will be missed. May God give family and friends comfort in this time of grieving.
Dr. Harbin was my doctor for over twenty years and a dear friend. He was always there if anyone needed him. The best doctor I ever had. He cared. He always talked about family who he was very proud of. Prayers for all his family.
Dr. Harbin made a huge impact on my life. I hope that I can continue to make you proud.
Dr. Harbin was an amazing teacher, encourager, and friend to all of us at ARCOM. I will miss his words of encouragement greatly throughout the rest of my medical education. Dr. Harbin was truly one of a kind and touched all of our lives with his gentle, loving soul. Sending prayers to the family. You will be missed greatly, Dr. Harbin.
I am so heartbroken by the passing of Dr. Harbin. He’s been a dear family friend for years and I considered him as family. He was my family doctor for over 20 years. He took excellent care of his people. He would come out to my house when I was terribly sick, just to check on me. He was always there for me at my worst, as I was for him too. When he went to Fort Smith we kept in touch often, often writing letters. I had just sent him a bunch of pictures recently and telling him he would be expecting my wedding invitation soon. After I found out of his passing, his friend told me he received it. I had been checking the mail every day expecting a nice long letter from him, but unfortunately and unknowingly he had passed. He meant so much to me. I’m so sorry for his family’s loss and the people that loved him loss. He made a significant impact in my life and I will never forget the kindness he has showed me. He is very loved and missed so much already. Prayers for his family.
Not only was Jim my Dr for many years, he was a generous friend & fishing buddy. Prayers for his family at this dad time.
I am so sorry for the Family's loss, I am praying for you all.
Dr. Harbin was my children's and my Doctor, along with taking care of my grandmother. I will always remember his caring bedside manner.
I am so sorry for your loss. James was my Dr.for 29 years. And close friend. I remember how he loved to come and see Francis my standard poodle. He loved all dogs and cats.
So sorry to hear of Dr. Harbin's passing. My prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. Dr. Harbin was my younger brother's doctor for many years. Heaven has gained an angel. Fly high and rest in love.
Deepest condolences and prayers for the Harbin Family.
Dr. Harbin was so good to me. Years ago I delivered his clothing. He was always so thoughtful and would be so generous in tipping me, which was not required. He was one of the few people that did. He also became my doctor and always took excellent care of me.
He truly was a caring and humorous person. I was honored to call him my friend!
Sending my love and prayers to the family. I worked as one of Dr. Harbin’s nurses at his Family Practice Clinic from 2004-2013. I worked with him until he retired. I have many memories of this caring and loving doctor and bonus friend. He held a special place in my heart. He was the best doc to work for. He use to call me Bisabeth. He always had precious and meaningful words in the sentimental cards he hand selected for me. I have all the cards he had ever gave to me. My heart breaks that we were not able to keep in touch all these years. He loved his family and his all his patients.
So sorry to hear about Dr. Harbin passing he was my Doctor for over 25 years I have never had a better Dr. I thought the world if him . Praying that God will comfort his family during this difficult time. RIP. Doc.