James David "J.D." Harries

James Harries Obituary
James David "J.D." Harries, 74, of Medford, died Sunday, August 4, 2024 surrounded by his family at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 23, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stetsonville with rev. Richard Russow officiating. Military honors will follow the service and will be provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Friday, August 23, at the church.
J.D. was born October 13, 1949 in Medford to Chester and Myrtle (Lablanc) Harries. He graduated from Medford High School, class of 1967.
Following high school, J.D. served honorably in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war and was stationed in Duluth, MN, Thailand, and Las Vegas, NV.
While serving, a young lady from J.D.'s high school, Jeanette Christianson, started writing him letters. He drove from Duluth to see her and start their courtship. The two were married on November 7, 1970 in Medford.
Once J.D. was discharged, he and Jeanette settled in Medford where he began his career as a carpenter working for his father-in-law's construction company, Christianson Builders. He later started his own company, J & J Builders, which he owned and operated until his retirement, working many years alongside his son Troy.
In his retirement, he continued to serve his past clients with projects, and was always game to work on Jeanette's projects around the house. Being a talented carpenter, he enjoyed making beautiful, detailed cabinetry. He also enjoyed camping and spent many summers at Rib Lake. He was an avid reader and read mostly war history books, had an extensive model train collection, enjoyed cheering on the Packers, and loved his dog Zeke who is no longer with us.
He will be dearly missed by his wife of 53 years, Jeanette; children, Tina (Kris) Nelson, Troy (Rina) Harries, all of Medford; sisters, Donna Perkins, Jackie (Henry) Faber; in-laws, Dennis (Patti) Christianson, Mark (Gloria) Christianson, Paul Christianson; grandchildren, Ben (Rachael) Nelson, David (Aubrey) Nelson, Patrick (Kylie) Nelson, Abigail and Andrew Harries; great-grandchildren, Keaton and Haizlee Nelson; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Shirley Wirth; in-laws, Cal Perkins and Gail (Lloyd) Lindahl.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the oncology care unit at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the excellent care provided to J.D. during his stay. Also, thank you to Pastor Richard Russow for his friendship, spiritual guidance, and comforting prayers and songs during this especially difficult time.
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