Jackson Harris Obituary

Jackson Shelly Harris, Sr., 82 years old, entered into rest on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. He was born on Jan. 20, 1930 and raised in Bayou Goula, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Plaquemine High School in Plaquemine, La. After High School he went on to serve in the U.S. Army and was a part of operations during the Korean War. Shelly or ""Big Shelly"" as he was known by many of his friends, married Rebecca James on June 16, 1950 and moved to New Orleans. They became members of Peoples United Methodist Church and worked for Good Citizen's Insurance Company. Later they became members of Bethany United Methodist Church under the pastorship of Rev. Edward Kennedy, in Pontchartrain Park, where they were members for over 50 years. In 1960, on August 13, his only son was born and was his namesake, Jackson Shelly Harris, Jr. Shelly worked for NASA and at the Michoud Plant helped build the first stage of the Apollo rocket that initially took men to the moon. He was very proud of that. Later he went on to become a New Orleans City Building Inspector where he retired in 1990. Later he and Rebecca joined Cornerstone UMC under the pastorship of Rev. James F. Haynes. Shelly is the son of Joseph Harris and Georgia Catherine DeLong Harris. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers DeLong Harris and James Harris, and sister Marion Blakeley. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca James Harris; his son, Jackson S. Harris, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Theresa D. Clark-Harris; grandsons, Jackson S. Harris III & Nicholas M. Harris; his brother, Thomas Harris; and a host of nieces and nephews and friends. Visitation Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Desselle Funeral Home, 263 Eddie Robinson Sr. Dr., Baton Rouge. Visiting continues Saturday at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 5276 Bullard Ave., New Orleans, from 10 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. Goff, Pastor. Interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery, New Orleans.

Published by The Advocate from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Jackson Harris

Not sure what to say?





May my Godfather rest in peace.

Emmanuel June

October 22, 2012

My sympathy to the Harris family on the loss of Shelly. I have such fond memories of how Shelly loved his church both Bethany and Cornerstone.

Arlean Gutierrez-Halthon

October 20, 2012

To Cousins Rebecca, J. Shelly & Family,

Our thoughts & prayers are with you during your time of bereavement. It is our prayer that the many fond memories you have will strengthen you.

With Love.

Harriet C. Tillman & Family

October 19, 2012

To Cousins Rebecca & J. Shelly & family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of bereavement. We will cherish the many memories we have of cousin Shelly. God bless.

October 19, 2012

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carol Edgerson

October 19, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Michael & Korine Edgerson

October 19, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Stephanie & Noony Edgerson

October 19, 2012

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

Dianne Talton

October 19, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the family.

Dorothy Carter

October 19, 2012

Cousin Shelly - We miss you so, but rejoice that you are free from the pains of this world. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dawn Harris-Buckley

October 19, 2012

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Jackson Harris's name

Memorial Events
for Jackson Harris

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Jackson's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jackson Harris's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more