John Jude Harris, lovingly known as “Jay”, was a man for others. He was devoted to his family and a true friend to everyone. His selfless and humble disposition made a lasting impression on all who knew him. Jay passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024. He was born on July 15, 1960 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to his beloved parents, Sulcer and Mary Alice Harris. He was a lifelong member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church. He proudly attended Lee High School where he met many of his life-long friends. There he was a member of the wrestling team where he found his passion for the sport. He was a graduate of Louisiana State University, and then spent his career as a Mortgage Loan Underwriter. He was also a LHSAA Wrestling referee for 41 years. Part of that time he served as the Head Official and the Assignment Secretary for Greater Baton Rouge Area. He was highly respected by his fellow referees, coaches across the state, and the young athletes he officiated. He received The Wayne Schmidt Memorial Gold Whistle Award in recognition for his outstanding service, dedication, diligence, and determination. Among his passion for the sport of wrestling, Jay was an enthusiastic fan of all sports, especially devoted to his LSU Tigers. He could often be found inches from the TV “coaching” the team to victory. Whether playing football in the backyard or fishing at the ranch, he enjoyed spending time with his big brothers. He had an appreciation for music and loved dancing with his daughters to his favorite songs, especially any song by The Boss. He always told his four daughters that they were his pride and joy. By far his greatest accomplishment was being the best “girl dad” in the whole world. His utmost enjoyment in life was making memories with his precious grandchildren who adored their Paw Paw. Jay is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by so many.
He is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Laura Kavanaugh Harris; daughters Meg Harris Pool, and husband John, Emily Harris Jewell, and husband Robb, Alice Harris Griffith and husband Will, and Molly Frances Harris; six grandchildren Caroline, Jackson, and Thomas Pool, Allie and William Jewell, and Harris Griffith. His best friend and big brother, Larry Harris and wife Kelley, and his adored baby sister, Mary Rita Harris Cruz and husband Oscar Cruz; in-laws Ann Harris, Art Henderson, Mike and Jayne Kavanaugh, Paul and Jennifer Kavanaugh, Sara and Mike Sotile; father-in-law Joseph Kavanaugh and wife Gabriele; Nieces and nephews whom he loved like his own Amy Desobry (Ed), Annette Gernier (Andrew), Kristin Leavell (David), Katrina Lueckenhoff (Matt), Bradley Harris (Heather), Brook Showalter (Erik), Clay Harris, Lauryn Meier (Garrett), Adam Cruz (Cassie), Katie Hanson (Andrew), Jacob, Clayton and Trent Kavanaugh, Brett and Austin Suits, Mary Sutton Sotile, Michael Sotile (Emalee), Caroline and Miles Kavanaugh; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Sulcer Allen Harris, Jr., brother S. Allen Harris III and sister Alice Harris Henderson, and his mother-in-law Barbara Sutton Kavanaugh.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16th at St. Aloysius Church, 2025 Stuart Avenue, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, 4045 North Street.
Pallbearers are Adam Cruz, Will Griffith, Bradley Harris, Clay Harris, Robb Jewell, John Pool, and Greg Town. Honorary pallbearers are Danny Adler, Steve Barnes, Bill Gallegos, Jared Gary, John Gray, Greg Harbourt, Jack Jenkins, and Alan Prejean.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the LSU Health Pulmonology/Critical Care doctors and the nurses and staff, especially Erik Showalter, at The Baton Rouge General for the incredible, loving care they gave to our father.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
