Jon was a graduate of Hardaway High School (1967) and Columbus College. He served two tours in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army’s 1st Brigade – 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) (a/k/a “The Flying Circus”) where he piloted helicopters assigned to SCOUT and Command and Control operations, as well as Medivac services and transporting Chaplain services and holiday drops to troops. He was honorably discharged in 1970. He is a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Air Medal, among other honors and recognitions for exemplary service.
Jon’s joys in life included his time on the Hardaway Basketball Team who stayed in touch for decades, deep sea diving, Green Island’s Early Birdies golf group, camping with his beloved pets, and Harley Davidson motorcycle road trips, including to celebrate Harley Davidson’s 100th Anniversary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jon loved Columbus, Georgia. He adopted it and it, including the many families who had a hand in helping to build this extraordinary man, adopted him.
Jon worked for Burnham Service Corporation and the W.C. Bradley Company of Columbus, Georgia.
Jon is survived by his loving wife, Lynn (Tomlinson) Harris of Columbus, Georgia, brother-in-law Wade H. (Teresa) Tomlinson of Columbus, Georgia, mother-in-law Fran Tomlinson Miller, of Columbus, Georgia, grandchildren Taylor (Matthew) Wales of Havelock, North Carolina and Justice Cauley of Redmond, Washington, and great-grandchild Whitley Mable Wales. Jon was predeceased by his mother Laverne Harris of Corbin, Kentucky and son Cheston Harris of Columbus, Georgia. Jon also is survived by loving in-laws Ronald H. (Dianne) Miller of Columbus, Georgia and Norma Jean (Bill) Huesmann of Gulf Shores, Alabama.
A Memorial Service honoring Jon will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Stifler-Hamby Funeral Home, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers please forward contributions to Friends of Roosevelt’s Little White House or Disabled American Veterans.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Harris family.
