James Robert Harrison

James was born in Monett, MO on December 23, 1932, to Robert and Lucille Harrison. He was the oldest of three children. He grew up in Kingsville and Corpus Christi, TX and was a graduate of Texas A&I (now A&M) University – Kingsville. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

He married Mary Catherine (Kay) Burwell in 1956 and their marriage was a model of true devotion and commitment. James set the bar high with unconditional love and never-ending encouragement in their 64 years together.

He enlisted in the US Marine Corps after college and after basic training, he and Kay moved to Twentynine Palms, CA where he was stationed. Their sons, James Robert Jr and Kevin Shaun, were both born there. James was hired by Tenneco in 1959 and they moved to Houston, TX and he changed from Active duty USMC to USMC Reserves. They welcomed their daughter Catherine Susanne while in Houston.

James had a 36 year career with Tenneco and subsidiary companies; including Packaging Corporation of America (Grand Rapids, MI) and JI Case Co/Case International (Racine, WI). He held numerous positions in industrial relations and human resources. He would later work and retire from the Grede Foundry (Pryor, OK). James and Kay made Pryor, OK, the community, the lake and the golf course their oasis for 27 years.

James was a humble servant of God, had a modest life growing up, learned and taught the value of a dollar. He had a strong work ethic and many corporate successes. He was a provider and protector of family, served his country as a Marine, loved Kay and doted on her each and every day, had immeasurable energy, was a master of positive thinking and affirmations. He instilled in his children a strong sense of loyalty to family and country, taught them good manners and respect for their elders and all these values will continue to be a living legacy with his family.

His golfing passion was legendary, he competed hard at every course he played and, in every league and tournament. Whether the game was for two bits or real money, every shot mattered. His golf club shopping was a love few shared as he was always looking for the one percent edge in driving or putting. He literally touched hundreds of golf clubs in his life. And he shared that passion, taught lessons and gave the joy of the game to his children and grandchildren.

He and Kay were road warriors and the automobile was their preferred mode of transportation. He drove station wagons, big sedans and minivans thousands of miles, most famously the 24 hour nonstop adventures between Michigan and south Texas most every Christmas.

He played the clarinet, was an artist, was a champion golfer, was a Sertoma man of the year, was certified in writing affirmations, restored Corvairs, loved brain games and crossword puzzles, was a certified senior physical fitness trainer, loved telling jokes and riddles, was an avid reader, delivered Meals on Wheels, volunteered at Boys and Girls Clubs, raised money for Rogers State University, he loved to dance, was a good horseshoe player, an amateur carpenter and builder and he met and knew all his great grandchildren who they called Pops.

James practiced the power of prayer, lived the golden rule and unequivocally made those around him feel and do better.

James was the epitome of energy, positive thinking, affirmations and lifting others and had real impacts on every member of his family.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Kay Harrison. He is survived by their children James (Lynn) Harrison of Kentwood MI, Kevin (Diane) Harrison of Fargo, ND and Susanne (Les) Pendleton of New Bern, NC; grandchildren Dr. Jenna Harrison of Ft Meyers, FL; Kara (Chris) Gates of Grand Rapids, MI; Shaun (Alli) Harrison and great grandsons, Rhett and Tripp of West Fargo ND; Sarah (Will) Pietsch and great grandson, Wyatt of North Bend, WA; Shannon (Bill) White and great grandsons Sam and Robert of Jacksonville, FL; Stephen Curtis of Little Rock, AR; sister Sue Johnson of Kyle, TX; and bother Mike (Sue Ann) Harrison of Buda, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service, interment service and a celebration of life reception will be held in Kingsville, TX December 14, 2024, beginning at 10 am at Epiphany Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any gifts be donations to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Boys and Girls Clubs.

Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of James Harrison.