James Michael Harris

James "Mike" Harris passed away peacefully in Downers Grove, Illinois on September 18, 2025 at the age of 84.

Mike was born on May 09, 1941 in Bakersfield, California to the late James and Gladys Harris. He attended the University of Michigan, where he met and married the love of his life, Carol Ponn.

Mike began his career at Ford Motor Company where he headed the Labor Relations Department at both the Michigan Truck Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan and later the San Jose Assembly Plant in San Jose California. He was transferred back to Michigan to work at the Glass House until he retired in 1976. Upon retirement from Ford, Mike entered the retail car business in Fenton, Michigan. In 1986, he and his partner sold that dealership, and Mike purchased Team Chevrolet in Westmont, Illinois. While owning the dealership, Mike served on the Chicagoland Chevy Ad Board and was given the honor of providing Michael Jordan with a Corvette at Jordan's home.

Mike loved U of M sports, but his true passion was golf. He enjoyed his involvement at both Butterfield C.C. in Oak Brook, Illinois and Bonita Bay C.C. in Bonita Springs, Florida. He was fortunate enough to play some of the most famous golf courses in the United States and Scotland. An absolute golfing highlight was playing at Augusta National and staying in the cabins. Mike also had 4 holes-in-one during his illustrious golf career.

Mike and Carol enjoyed traveling all over the world together, experiencing different continents and cultures. They also enjoyed countless golf trips together.

Mike's smile and personality attracted friends wherever he went. Mike was genuinely interested in other people; when he asked how you were, he truly wanted to know the answer. Mike's generous spirit poured into his family, friends, and the organizations he supported. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

Mike is survived by his wife, Carol, his two sons, Mark (Camille) Harris and Jeffrey (Lisa) Harris, daughter-in-law Brienne Harris, and grandchildren Stephanie (David) Pohl and Andrew Harris, Bradley and Alexander Harris, Logan, Hudson, and Colton Harris. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Gladys Harris, his son Bradley Harris, and his sister, Ann Wassall.

Memorial Visitation Monday, September 29th from 10:00 AM until time of Memorial Service 12:00 PM at Sullivan Funeral Home, 60 South Grant Street, Hinsdale, Illinois 60521.

Private Family Interment Bronswood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's name to the Evans Scholars Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements made by Sullivan Funeral Home www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com or 630-323-0275.