Mr. J. C. Harmon was known throughout the community as "Mr. Argentine." A physically imposing man at 6 feet 4 inches, he was a father figure to many students during the Depression. His incredible memory was his trademark, and he knew almost all of the students who attended Argentine High School by their first names even when he met them years later in the community. He lived at 1424 Ruby Avenue. J. C. Harmon High School was so named to honor Mr. J. C. Harmon and his dedication to the students of Kansas City, Kansas.

    Mr. James Chester Harmon was born December 9, 1886. When he was 13, he suffered a severe appendicitis attack and almost died. As a result, his parents decided that J. C. would never be strong enough to be a farmer, so they moved to the city to give him a suitable education for another occupation. He received two Bachelor’s degrees and a Master of Arts in school administration.

    Mr. Harmon became the principal of Argentine High School in 1924 and remained in that position until he retired in 1954. While principal of Argentine, J. C. Harmon began the first school guidance program in Kansas City, Kansas. It was designed to give moral, social, and vocational guidance to students in the city. One phase of this program included a work-study plan that later evolved into the vocational training program. Argentine High School became a pioneer among Kansas schools in vocational training and guidance. Mr. Harmon was the driving force behind the initiative, and he became well known nationwide. Argentine was the first secondary school in the Kansas City metropolitan area to have a student council and to sponsor mixers [dances] for the student body. Both of these activities were supported and initiated by Mr. Harmon.

    Although Mr. J. C. Harmon died on September 1, 1974, at the age of 88, his philosophy of education lives on at J. C. Harmon High School. J. C. Harmon believed that "We ought to have schools to serve every youngster. The schools should make every effort to that end. Without that, we’re missing the boat and, I think, the school that fails to lean over backwards to help youngsters in matters of discipline and academics is really not living up to its commitment under the law. I thought it was more important to know the students, their homes, and their motivations. I guess they feel about me just about the way I feel about them. This is the way it’s supposed to be. I’ve really been fortunate."