James Edward Barksdale

James E. Barksdale, 78 of Harrisburg transitioned to eternal life with his daughter by his side on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at UPMC Osteopathic Hospital.  His loved ones were all by his side through his brief battle with cancer and he fought to the very end.  Although he was not very talkative towards the end of his battle, he let us know what was on his mind through gestures or a few words here and there.  

James was born in Harrisburg, PA on September 8, 1944, to the late Bessie R. George and stepson of the late James George.

He attended Bishop McDevitt High School, thereafter he joined the U. S. Marine Corps. He retired from the UPMC Osteopathic Hospital.

James, affectionately known as “Buster” or “Boxy” loved watching westerns, judge shows, Wheel of Fortune, college and NFL football, his favorite NFL team was the Philadelphia Eagles. He also loved doing scratch off games and spending time with his family.

Along with his parents, he was preceded by his sister Claurissa George and nephew Michael George. He leaves to celebrate his life his daughter and caretaker Veronica Barksdale Elliott, grandchildren, Christan and Jhajuan Byrd, great-grandchildren Alaiya Johnson and I’viana Bullock all of Harrisburg, PA, siblings, Christine George of Harrisburg, James George (Gayle) and sister-in-law Sylvia George all of Philadelphia, stepchildren Dannie Elliott (Kim), Tom Elliott (Stacei), Tina Elliott, Annette Elliott (Junior) all of Harrisburg, Tracy Elliott (Tracie) of Statesville, NC, a devoted  lifelong friend of 59 years Mary Elliott of Harrisburg, 17 step grandchildren, 31 step great grandchildren, , special cousins, Betty Moore (William) of North Carolina, Wanda Isaac (Henry) (of South Carolina, Robert ‘Kedar’ Griffin and Connie Franklin-Frisby(Tom) both of Harrisburg and host of other family members and friends.