James Horris

HORRIS
James Thomas, of Woodcliff Lake, NJ and formerly River Vale, NJ and S. Lyme CT. James (Jim) born July 1, 1924 was called to eternal life July 31, 2016, he was 92. Born in the Bronx, NY to Irish Immigrant parents, Michael and Margaret (nee Gallagher) Horris, Jim was the second of three children. His sister Ann Mariah and his brother Joseph have pre-deceased him. Jim, first generation American, was raised in Riverdale, NY belonged to St. Margaret's Parish and attended Cardinal Hayes High School '42. He enlisted in the Army in 1943. He was a Tech Sergeant in the 102nd Division (Ozarks) and fought in the European Theater during WWII. His unit was in France and Germany and was part of the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded and received the Purple Heart. Also for duty, honor and courage Jim received the Bronze Star. After returning home Jim went to Manhattan College, Class of 1948, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. During this time he met his future wife, Virginia Yoli, through community projects at St. Margaret's Parish. They were married in 1949 and moved to Stuyvesant Town in NYC. Jim started his career in the NY Telephone Company as an installer and 42 years later retired as Vice President and General Manager. During that time Jim worked at may different levels and offices, always taking on the challenges of a growing company and succeeding in each position. He worked at 140 W Street for several years; was a member and became the Chairman of the National Convention of the Telephone Pioneers of America. He was also the Director of the Bell System Exhibit during the 1964-65 NY World's Fair. He headed up the committees for Junior Achievement, in the Summer Jobs Program. NY Telephone Co. was one of the leading companies to help young adults attain jobs, education and training. In 1955 Jim and Virginia moved their family out of NY to River Vale, NJ, where they belonged to Our Lady of Mercy parish. Their daughter and two sons attended the parish school. In 1969 Jim moved his family to Woodcliff Lake, Where they became actively involved in Our Lady Mother of the Church and the community. After retirement Jim joined VFW Post 8946 in Park Ridge and also belonged to the American Legion Post #78, Englewood where he was involved in the Post supported fundraisers and activities including The Wounded Warrior Program. On one occasion Jim travelled with other veterans to Walter Reed Hospital to visit and talk to wounded soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. Jim said he was both proud and humbled by the experience of meeting these wounded veterans and their families. Jim Horris was devout in his faith, with a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. He was a proud American, Patriot and Veteran fierce in his commitment to duty, honor and courage and to his country. He was devoted to his family, a die-hard Yankee fan, a staunch believer in the Constitution, a Republican and member of the NRA. Jim was predeceased by his wife Virginia, they were married for 56 years. He is survived by his three children, daughter Christine M. Janicek and sons; James A. Horris and Matthew J Horris and his wife Dianna. He was Grandpa to Rebecca, Jessica, Alexa and her husband William, Brenna, Jamie and his wife Kelly, Zachary and Hannah. Also three great-grand-children, Emmy, Channing and Will. Memorial visitation 3-6 PM on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at the Robert Spearing Funeral Home, Inc., 155 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge, NJ. Memorial Funeral Mass 10 AM on Monday at Our Lady Mother of the Church, Woodcliff Lake, NJ.
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