Stewards Recognition Program > Faithful Steward Award > Inaugural Award Recipient

James H. "Buck" Harless
Inaugural Faithful Steward Award
April 25, 2003

James H. "Buck" Harless is a native of West Virginia. He was raised by his maternal aunt and uncle, who modeled for him the importance of caring for others less fortunate. Harless adopted their hard-work ethic, which resulted in successful businesses: timber, coal, and transportation equipment.

He became a member of Gilbert Presbyterian Church as an adult and has spent 50 years modeling for others the life of the faithful steward – encouraging others toward more meaningful relationships with God; serving as an elder and as Moderator of Greenbrier Presbytery; directing its Mission Development Fund; and sharing abundantly from his resources. Through his stewardship, he has helped countless people in West Virginia, and at Louisville Seminary.

In the 1980s, Harless helped establish the William A. Benfield Chair in Evangelism and Global at Louisville Seminary. Then, convinced of the need for effective ministry to families, he provided the salary for the director of the new Center for Families and Congregations before the position became endowed.

His faithfulness did not stop there. Through his ongoing support of the Annual Fund, Harless participates in efforts that benefit the church today, and the church tomorrow. In June 2003, he joined Trustee Peter R. Anderson, Faculty member W. Eugene March, and the Alum Association to challenge others in their annual stewardship and in the belief that a quality education, environment, faculty and aid, will help to equip men and women for quality ministry through the 2003 Challenge Grant.