James T. Harris

Obituary
Vidalia, GA
James T. Harris, Jr. "Jim" passed away on May 4, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to his family, faith, and country. He was born on May 28, 1940, in Denver, Colorado, to James T Harris, Sr. and Ruth E. (Gibbs) Harris, and spent his formative years in Littleton, Colorado. In high school, Jim played the clarinet in the school band and even had the opportunity to perform for the President of the United States. The family moved to California for his senior year in high school, and Jim went on to graduate from Castro Valley High School. Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and served a four-year commitment to his country, stationed in Alaska and the Philippines. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Northern California, where he worked and continued his post-secondary education. Throughout his career, Jim held several jobs and ultimately retired from Caterpillar, after more than 25 years, as an industrial engineer.
Jim's faith was an integral part of his life, and he was a faithful member and model shepherd of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses for over 54 years. He met his wife, Susan, during a service, and they were baptized together in March 1968. They began their life together when they married in June of the following year. Jim led countless Bible studies and helped numerous people find the truth of the Bible through his public ministry and countless Bible studies. In his free time, Jim loved to fish and play various games, and he never missed his favorite hour of television, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He was also known as a jokester who could diffuse a tense situation with his quick wit and antics. Family was extremely important to him, and he will be remembered as the center of his family's world. His love for his wife was fostered throughout their marriage. Simple things like the fact that he and Susan had "pet" names for each other ("Handsome Harris and "Honey Harris"). They also had a theme song for their remarkable love; "Unchained Melody." They would stop whatever they were doing to dance to their love theme song whenever it played, no matter where they were. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on in the hearts and memories of his loved ones forever. James is preceded in death by his parents.
Left to cherish memories of a life well lived is his wife of over 53 years, Susan E. Harris of Vidalia; two sons, Phil (Martha) Harris of Lyons and Thomas Harris of Augusta; two daughters, Priscilla Harris of Woodland, CA, and Elizabeth (Christopher) Palmer of Readyville, TN; two brothers, Charles Harris of Washington State and Lawrence Harris of Idaho; one sister, Kathleen (Steve) Miller of Virginia; nine beloved grandchildren; six precious great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Jim's memorial services are going to be held virtually so that his family and countless friends across the country may attend. Services will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (3:30 p.m. Central time/1:30 p.m. Pacific, daylight saving time).
The link to the service can be found at
https://www.zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 898 9355 9898. The passcode is 937 080.
Low Country Cremation & Burial is serving the Harris family during this difficult time.
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