Obituaries : James L. von Harz; Retired ITT Components Group Executive

James L. von Harz, 78, retired vice president and executive representative of ITT Components Group. Von Harz, who was born in Crystal Lake, Ill., and educated at Purdue University, joined International Telephone & Telegraph Inc. in 1971 as president and chief executive officer of ITT Cannon Electric. Three years later, he became group general manager of ITT Components North America, responsible for facilities in Santa Ana, Irvine, Pomona, San Jose, Phoenix, Ariz., and Whitby, Canada. He was elected corporate vice president in 1979 with jurisdiction over ITT Cannon plants in England, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy and Australia. He retired in 1985 but remained a consultant. On Sunday in Santa Ana after a stroke.