James Harris

James Warren Harris, of Ann Arbor, MI passed away at the age of 77 on November 10, 2025. His loving and devoted wife of 47 years, son, family, and friends were there to support him in his final days.

James was son to Mary and James Harris (both deceased); brother to Sherman Harris (deceased), Susan Harris (Krista Rowe); husband to Carol; father to Michael (Rachel); grandpa to Simon; brother-in-law to Randy Alderman, Cathy Alderman (Diane Ehret); uncle to Randy, Crystal, Adam, Kim, and Nicole; and a friend, cousin, and neighbor to many.

Growing up in Detroit, James graduated from Mumford High School. He attended Eastern Michigan University, where he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, then served in the Army from December 1969-January 1971. After leaving the Army, he returned to Eastern where he earned a Bachelor of Science while he worked full-time at Ford Motor Company. While working at Ford, he took a Skilled Trades Test and qualified to become an electrician apprentice. He realized he had found his calling. He ended up working 38 years at Ford, and retired from the Wixom Assembly Plant.

James met his wife Carol in 1975 just when he was completing his degree at EMU. They married in August, 1978, bought their first house in 1979 and in February, 1980, their son, Michael was born. James took great pride in raising his son. Because he worked in a factory he often did the afternoon shift. He was afforded the opportunity to be involved in Michael's morning routine and he became "the field trip dad"/school volunteer.

Working the afternoon shift also allowed him to oversee the building of their Ann Arbor house during 1990-1991. James cherished the house and enjoyed hosting family parties and friend gatherings there. In 2006, James and Carol retired within a month of each other, and their enjoyable life continued. They had the opportunity to travel more places than they ever imagined. They especially loved being able to go see Michael who was now living in California. When Michael married Rachel in 2016 and Simon was born in 2020, they were able to see them frequently. James LOVED that freedom!

James often said, "I'm a simple man." That was true in that he was satisfied with a simple lifestyle. However, what he was, was a kind, caring, empathetic, loving, fun, funny, easy-going, helpful, good, not to mention, brilliant man. James' family hopes that you will be able to join them for the memorial of this wonderful man on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 12:00-3:00pm with a short memorial service at 1:30pm. The location is Nie Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

In lieu of flowers, please consider leaving a memorial contribution to:

Angela Hospice Care Center

14100 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, MI 48154

Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter

2111 University Park Dr.

Suite 2000

Okemos, MI `48864