James served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged after serving from 1951 to 1953 as a Pfc(T).
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Karen Harris, his daughters, Cheryl Patton (Goodyear), and Carrie Hipskind (Goodyear), step-children, Steve Messing (Pensacola, FL), John Messing (Pensacola, FL), and Shannon Miller (Henderson, NV), brother, Robert Harris (Huntsville, TX), 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Harris in 2010.
A private service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
The family suggests that donations be made to American Cancer Society.
