Harley James Earwicker's Obituary
Harley James Earwicker died peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 4th, 2026. A native of Nevada, Iowa, Harley was born to David Allen Earwicker and Lucy Belle (McKee) Earwicker on August 27, 1930. He served in the United States Marine Corps, and later graduated from Fresno State College with a Business degree and Pepperdine University with a Juris Doctorate. His career included service as a Deputy District Attorney in San Diego, as an attorney in private practice in Escondido, as Attorney General of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Marshall Islands), and as a Municipal and Superior Court Judge in San Diego County, retiring in 1998.
Harley was predeceased by the love of his life, Barbara Ann (Higgins) Earwicker, whom he married on August 6th, 1961, and who passed on June 22, 2011. He is survived by his children Annmarie, David (Chris), Diane (Tristan), Adam (Christina), and James (Suzanna). He leaves behind the great joys of his life, his grandchildren Emily, Elyse, Joseph, Kati, Megan, Joel, Serena, Alana and Bri, and great-grandchildren Greyson, Maisy, Roen Harley, and Margot. A small memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church (845 Chestnut Street, Escondido) on Monday, March 2nd, 2026, at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Barbara and Harley Earwicker Scholarship Endowment at the University of North Dakota. Barbara and Harley were long-time advocates for education in all its forms and their legacy advances meaningful scientific learning and communication. Donations can be made through the UND Foundation and designated to the “Earwicker Award” in the Memo line. Checks may be mailed to the UND Alumni Association & Foundation, 3501 University Ave., Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202. For online donations, visit: https://undalumni.org/giving-impact/index.html, select “Give Now”, then “Click here to select your fund” and type in “Earwicker Award” to select the correct Endowment.
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