James Harold Harris

1923 - 2010

James Harold Harris October 31, 1923 - October 12, 2010 James Harold Harris was born October 31, 1923 in Sapulpa, OK and passed away on October 12, 2010, after a prolonged illness. In 1924 he came to Kern County with his parents and siblings at an early age. He only achieved a 7th grade education. He had to work in the fields to help support his family until he went into the Army Air Corp in January 1943, which he served in Italy until September 1945. He then met the love of his life, Venetta Campbell. They married December 12, 1945 and had three children. James worked as a pipeline truck driver and low bed truck driver for ARB for 35 years until his retirement in 1985. James and his wife loved to travel. Some of James' hobbies were salmon fishing in Oregon, playing cards and dominos at family gatherings. He loved to tell stories and make people laugh. He was the type of person who would give the shirt off his back. He had many friends who thought the world of him. He was well respected among his fellow friends. He had an intoxicating laugh that would get everyone laughing. Although he had been ill the last several years of his life, if you asked him how he felt he would always reply "No aches, No pains, No nothin." His wife, Venetta of 49 years; daughter, Gwen Charles; brothers, Delmar, Cecil and Vernon; and sisters, Ruth and Opal precedes him in death. James is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Melvin (Mike) and Linda Harris of Bakersfield; his daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Matthew Thomas of Atascadero; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends who will miss him greatly. Chapel service will be held on Monday, October 18, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., at Greenlawn Memorial Chapel, 3700 River Blvd. Mr. Dale Cornell will officiate. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 17, 2010, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Casket bearers will be Bryan Wilkerson, Ricky Charles, Brent Charles, Seth Thomas, Jonathan Contreras and Jerry Weeks III. Honorary casket bearers will be Melvin (Mike) Harris, Matthew Thomas, Jeremy Contreras, Richard Pandolfe and Richard Denman. Greenlawn Mortuary www.bakersfield.com/obits