Jasper Harris Jr.

Jasper Harris, Jr.

Houston, TX

Jasper "Jack" Green Harris Jr. slipped away from this world peacefully on August 30, 2012 after a valiant 27- month battle with a rare and aggressive form of dementia. He was 66.

A beautiful baby born in Jackson, MS on September 6, 1945, Jack was the beloved only child of Jasper G. Harris, Sr. and Orna J. Harris, née Fortenberry. He was their late life baby and they are rejoicing to have their son with them again.

He is a 1963 graduate of William P. Murrah High School, Jackson, MS.

He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Infantry enlisting in 1968. Private (PV2) Harris was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA and Ft. Dix, NJ. PV2 Harris received citations as an M14 Sharpshooter, Expert M16 Marksman. He also earned the US Army Parachutist Badge having made 24 jumps. He was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve in August 1974.

Jack moved to Waco, TX in 1963 to attend college. A proud Baylor graduate, Jack earned a BA degree in History in 1967 and his Juris Doctorate in 1970. He was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 1970 and practiced law in the Houston metropolitan area for the next 40 years. He worked as a staff attorney in the reimbursement division for the TX Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation from1986-1992. Venturing out on his own he opened his own law practice and managed the daily activities of his solo general law practice specializing in criminal law until his retirement in August 2010.

With his first wife Mary Elizabeth née Warren he has one son Michael Chadwick Harris. An avid sports enthusiast Jack enjoyed many years with his son on the playing fields of the Alief Youth Association (AYA) managing T-ball, championship Little League teams (All Star Division Championship) and Pony League(All Star Team). He coached the AYA Vikings football team to a championship. He also coached the YMCA basketball team, the Gobots.

Jack always believed in community work and served as the President of the Alief/Southwest Chamber of Commerce and was the President of Alief Noon Lions' Club. He was elected to the Alief ISD Board of Trustees. Jack was a member of The Baylor University Law Alumni Association and participated in the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Association.

Highlights of Jack's travels include England, Canada, and much of the U.S. He went to Alaska in the winter of 2003 to ride on part of the Iditarod Dog Sled Race Trail.

By chance in 2004, Jack met the love of his life, Cynthia. Together they traveled, enjoyed the company of friends and family, ate at the very best restaurants and shared wonderful times. With unwavering love and faith they walked on his tumultuous journey home, because this is what it means to be married and in love.

He is survived by his wife of 5-years Cynthia Alvarado, his son Michael Chadwick "Chad" Harris (Elizabeth) of Richmond, TX. His dear family. First cousin Catherine Bates of Forest, MS and his best friend H. Clay Moore and Squire Lex.

Jack loved being a Baylor Bear in lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Jasper Harris to the Baylor Law School General Endowed Scholarship Fund, One Bear Place, #97288, Waco, TX 76798.