Jimmy Foster Harris

Jimmy “Jim” Foster Harris of Baton Rouge, Louisiana passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023 at the age of 77 surrounded by his family after a year-long battle with ALS. Jim was born on June 8, 1945 in Mountain Grove, Missouri. He was the son of Foster and Ursel Harris and big brother to Susan Soprano-Auburn. When Jim was 13, his family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana for two years before settling down in Franklin, Louisiana where he spent his teenage years. Always a go-getter, he was able to land a job at KFRA-AM radio where he started out as a disc jockey. While still in high school, he traveled to Houston and obtained a broadcasting license to fulfill an early dream to report the news over the airwaves. During this time, he honed his signature silky smooth and unique voice that served as his calling card.

He attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana part time and continued to sharpen his media skills as the news director for KPEL-AM radio while serving in the U.S. Army National Reserve for six years. His talent and unique booming voice led him to a job offer at WJBO-AM news radio in Baton Rouge. Jim accepted the job and moved to Baton Rouge where his media career blossomed along with his success as host of the award-winning interview program “Topic Today.” He garnered eleven Associated Press and United Press International awards in one year as news director at WJBO. Jim was making waves in Louisiana and perfecting his craft. This caught the attention of Louisiana political and public relations icon Gus Weill, who offered Jim the position of press secretary for Governor Edwin Edwards’ re-election campaign in 1975. This pivotal moment launched Jim into a life of public service. He was responsible for managing Governor Edwin Edwards' relationship with the media and shaping his public image – a challenge well documented in political lore.

Jim was known for his skill in crafting messages that resonated with the public and for his ability to handle difficult questions from reporters. In a Gris Gris article from that time, Jim was nicknamed “The Shadow.” He went on to work with Governor Edwards during his second term (1976-1980), first at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, then at the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Resources, where he cut his teeth on environmental policy and served on the former Louisiana Environmental Control Commission.

Jim’s life in politics continued with a stint as campaign manager for Lieutenant Governor Jimmy Fitzmorris’ run for governor in 1979. He then transitioned to the role of assistant secretary in the Office of Commerce and Industry under Governor David Treen, where he promoted jobs and workforce expansion in the state. Notably, Jim served as the executive director of the Louisiana World Exposition, also known as the Louisiana World's Fair, held in New Orleans in 1984. He was appointed to the role by Governor Treen and was responsible for overseeing the planning, construction, and operation of the fair. Under Jim’s leadership, the fair made a huge impact for the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana, attracting many visitors and showcasing Louisiana's culture, industry, and heritage to the world.

Jim exited state service and made his final career move, founding Harris, Fischer & Associates (1984), which became Harris & Associates (1986), and finally Harris, DeVille & Associates in 1993. He and business partner Renwick DeVille grew the two-person firm to a 20+ person, multi-state issues management firm that today boasts a client base of numerous Fortune 100 companies. Along that path, HDA has provided communications and governmental relations stewardship of hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Jim proudly shared, “I started a small office with an electric typewriter and now I have the greatest staff in the world. I feel so blessed – I’m overwhelmed by all the great people I work with. We all believe in professionalism; we all believe in being the best we can be. Even when we have the odds against us, we stay in there with the truth, and I like that. I like that we have maintained our integrity with both the media and in governmental relations.”

While HDA will continue Jim’s legacy in word and deed, he can never be replaced.

He pushed on until the very end with strength and grace. Even after his ALS diagnosis and inability to talk, Jim continued working as best he could. He believed deeply in HDA's mission, was passionately determined to remain involved, and was devoted to helping his HDA family for as long as possible. In 2022, Jim and HDA were awarded the Legal Reform Champion Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform for their work with the Louisiana Coalition for Common Sense and improving the legal system of Louisiana, while also setting an example for legal reform around the country.

Jim was always an avid reader, big into music, and loved his coffee with chicory. He enjoyed shopping for clothes, shoes, and ties – preferably at Ralph Lauren in New York. He had a vast interest in British culture and a great respect for Winston Churchill. He loved and cared deeply for his family. A true patriarch in every sense of the word, whatever trials and tribulations would come up in our lives – he reassured us that everything would be alright as long as we kept pushing forward. His greatest thrill in life was spending time with his beloved wife Linda, traveling the world with her, and spending their evenings watching British mysteries together.

Jim was a proud husband, father, grandfather and brother. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Linda Harris, his children Sydney Harris Stormer (husband Tim), Jake Harris, grandson Hudson Harris Stormer, and sister Susan Soprano-Auburn (Ken Auburn). He was predeceased by his father and mother Foster and Ursel Harris, father and mother-in-law Jerry and Mary Perry, brothers-in-law Sam Soprano and Kirby Perry, and nephew Nick Soprano.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. He was truly a Louisiana legend – a master craftsman – and will always be remembered for his presence, wisdom, charm, love and quiet benevolence. He left this world always giving more than he received.

A memorial visitation will be held Friday, May 19 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Old Governor’s Mansion, 502 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Association at www.als.org/donate.