James Witmer Harris

1944 - 2025

James Witmer Harris

November 7, 1944 - October 21, 2025

MINERAL POINT - James Witmer Harris, age 80, of Mineral Point, Wisc., passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his family, on October 21, 2025. Jim, born on November 7, 1944, was the son of Parmley and Jean Harris and a proud, fourth generation Mineral Pointer. He grew up on the family farm, helping with the Guernsey Dairy, Berkshire swine, Shropshire sheep, Aberdeen Angus cattle and beloved Morgan Horses. He became an athlete in early childhood, when his older sisters, Bonnie and Pamela, secured green grass under his cap and had him run in front of their ponies so they could race them across the pasture.

Following graduation from Mineral Point High School in 1962, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education. That fall he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant, advancing through the ranks to Captain. His duty was a SAC Titan II ICBM Weapon System Missile Combat Crew Commander in the 571st Strategic Missile Squadron at Tucson, Ariz., during the Vietnam War. After serving his country he continued with six years in the Active Reserve as a liaison officer for the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Tucson is where he met his sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Beverly Marks, a coed at the University of Arizona, and the daughter of an Arizona ranching family. While completing his Air Force career, Jim obtained a Master's Degree of Public Administration through the University of Oklahoma. He returned to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a Juris Doctor of Law degree. Jim and Bev moved back to Mineral Point in 1974, where he opened a private practice, later joining Bob Jackson in Dodgeville. In his twenty plus years of private practice in Iowa County there was hardly a local institution or family that he did not serve. Jim was involved with the construction of the Mineral Point Medical Center, the Dodgeville Memorial Hospital, served as City Attorney, and helped families and individuals through many difficult situations. Jim was also an Iowa County Court Commissioner and married dozens of couples in the area, his favorite being the Wal-Mart wedding which was covered on local news. In 1986, Bev and Jim purchased The Wilson House Inn Bed & Breakfast, which they ran for a decade, in addition to their careers as a teacher and lawyer. Prior to retirement, Jim served as a prosecutor for the State of Wisconsin in the Department of Licensing and Regulations, then at the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.

Jim and Bev are the proud parents of Heather (Greg Wilson), Will (Iza Ferreira), and Katie (Michael Kirby). They have welcomed six grandchildren, Lilly, Viola, Henry, Evelyn, James, and Georgia Elaine. Jim loved to tease and joke with the littles.

Jim was an active community member, participating in Shake Rag Players, the Lions Club, the American Legion Post 170, The Cornish Society, Hope Lutheran Church Counsel, The Mineral Point Historical Society, the Mineral Point Railroad Depot restoration and Arts Mineral Point. He was a Member of the Morgan Horse Club, the Wisconsin Horse Council, and a Past President of the Wisconsin Horse Foundation.

His early love of music led him to be a member of the UW Marching Band, where he marched in the Rose Bowl Parade, as well as The Air Force Band. Locally, he participated in the Mineral Point City Band, Scenic Sounds, Mount Horeb Chorale and the Mineral Point Christmas Madrigal. He organized and led the Chough Singers, an a cappella choir dedicated to singing the songs of Cornwall, England, and recently led singing at Hope Lutheran Church services.

Jim in his generosity toward others signified his willingness to be an organ donor. Two individual matches were found for ones in need and their families.

Jim will always be remembered for his kind and giving heart, dry wit, playfulness, dedication to service, calm demeanor, sound advice, faith, and loyalty to family and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at the Hope Lutheran Church in Mineral Point. Pastor Kate Kieckhafer will officiate. Military Graveside Services will be held at Graceland Cemetery at 4 p.m., November 1st. A Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. followed by the Funeral Service at 12:30 p.m.

Gorgen Funeral Home

310 Ridge St.

Mineral Point, WI 53565

www.gorgenfh.com