Dr. James Edward "Jim" Harris

Dr. James Edward Harris, 85, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at 9:58 am, Wednesday, February 10, 2026, at Transitions Lifecare in Wake County, North Carolina.

He was born May 10, 1940, in Petersburg, Illinois. His father, Reverend James Colbert Harris, mother, Mary Elizabeth Harris Moulton (Godbey), sister, Barbara Louise Harris and stepfather, Dr. H.K. Moulton, MD, preceded him in death.

He married Polly Ann Sutton, daughter of Maxine and Willard Sutton, November 24, 1960, in the Central Presbyterian Church in Petersburg, Illinois.

Dr. Harris began his career with American Telephone & Telegraph Co. (AT&T) in Springfield, IL. He then led his family on a journey of a lifetime. Promotions within AT&T took him and his growing family to Ottawa, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Indianapolis, IN; New York City, NY; Washington DC; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Seoul, South Korea and he ultimately traveled to over 40 countries during his lifetime. Prior to his retirement he completed his B.A and M.S degrees in four years and began working on his PhD. which he completed the year following his retirement from AT&T in 1989. He was selected for inclusion in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He also became a guest-lecturer for more than a decade on "How to Conduct Business" in (country specific) for the Business Council for International Understanding at American University in Washington D.C. After "retiring", he served as Director of Averett University's remote campus in Northern Virginia. Jim also taught courses in Universidad Estacio de Sa, Rio De Janero, Brazil and at the University, Moscow, Russia. He eventually moved to North Carolina to be nearer to family (grandchildren) where he continued in the role of Director of remote campuses for Campbell University in their Morrisville, NC location. While in North Carolina, he also taught courses at Peace College, Raleigh, NC; and at Louisburg College, Louisburg, NC. In each of these Universities, he also taught "International Management and Leadership" courses. Dr. Harris enjoyed memberships in the Presbyterian Church-United States of American (PUSA), served as an Officer of the Church as well as Elder and Deacon. In earlier years he held memberships in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, American Management Association (AMA), United Seniors of America (USA), Republican National Committee-Sustaining Member and served as GOP Precinct Chairman in Wake County, NC. Dr. Harris served as Scoutmaster for his son's Boy Scout Troop and also chaperoned his daughter's traveling soccer team.

He is survived by his wife, Polly; daughter, Gail Duke, her husband, Sean Sullivan and their family, Jordan Duke (Amanda); Megan Duke (Daniel Partridge); Evan Duke; Tim Sullivan (Rhea Lidowski); Sean P. Sullivan (Taylor) and Grady Sullivan (Halee); son, Eric Harris and his son, Cameron Harris (Elizabeth); daughter, Teresa Harris and her daughter, Morgan Harris; and five great-grandchildren. He has many cousins in Illinois, Montana, Wisconsin, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Dr. Harris was known for frequent recitation of his many factoids, but his favorite was "all his plans and activities were directed towards success, not mere survival."

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday February 21, 2026, at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, IL. Burial and graveside service will be in Oakford Cemetery, Oakford, IL, immediately following the visitation, with Pastor Ryan Edgecombe officiating.

Memorials may be made to Transitions Lifecare Raleigh Administrative Office, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/give.htm/.

Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Dr. Harris' family with services. Please visit hurleyfh.com to see Dr. Harris' online obituary.