Funeral service for fire victims - NBC12 - WWBT - Richmond, VA News On Your Side

By Nicole Bell - bio | email
Posted by Terry Alexander - email

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) – A celebration of life today for a father and daughter -- killed in a house fire. Loved ones gathered to say goodbye to James Harvey Junior and Jessica Harvey. 

A tribute to 49-year-old James Harvey Junior and 15-year-old Jessica Harvey. 

"My daddy was the hardest working man on the planet," said Jamie Harvey. "Jesse had a way of making everything right. Daddy and Jesse were two of the greatest people I ever knew. They are my rock and they still are." 

Two lives taken too soon... 

"It's a double tragedy that's so hard for us to comprehend -- what a tragic loss," said Dr. Randy Clipp. 

Less than a week ago the pair couldn't escape the flames of a house fire -- sparked by a hair dryer. Today, inside of a packed church -- their lives were celebrated with song. Jessica's twin sister, Jamie, made it out of the burning home alive. 

"Daddy and Jesse made it their mission to make you feel better with their loving hugs or just their soft words," she said. 

James worked two jobs to provide for his family. He also loved to ride his Harley. Jessica was a 10th grader at Freeman High School. 

"I want [Jessica] back. I miss her," said friend Jessica Lavrinoich. 

Many of her classmates are still in disbelief. 

"It's hard to accept she's gone but she's in a better place," said Sabrina Hall. 

And that, loved ones say, brings them a bit of comfort. 

"Daddy I'll always be your little girl and Jesse I'll always be your sister and you'll always be my best friend," said Jamie. 

The twin girl's grandmother was also inside that burning home -- at last check she's recovering at the hospital. That house fire has been ruled accidental. Friends say they'll do whatever they can to support the Harvey family. 

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