James E Harris Jr.

FORT WORTH -- James E. Harris Jr., 88, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015. Memorial service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Arborlawn United Methodist Church, 5001 Briarhaven Road, Fort Worth. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Laurel Land Funeral Home, Fort Worth. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the Harris family suggests that donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Jim was born April 18, 1927, in Fort Worth. He was a lifelong resident of Fort Worth, a graduate of Paschal High School and Texas Christian University. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the Coast Guard in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He served as the division manager for the Star-Telegram until going into the insurance business in 1954, rising to division manager for Prudential Insurance Co. In 1973, he founded his own insurance agency. He was a great civic leader, serving as a member of the Fort Worth ISD school board from 1968 to 1975. Jim also served in the Masons, as Shrine potentate and as chairman of the board of Shriners Hospital. He was a founder of the Moslah Golf Unit and the Legion of Honor. He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. and Minnie Harris; two sons, James E. III and Rick Harris; a daughter-in-law, Mary Harris; a granddaughter, Stephanie Harris; and sister, Betty Padgett. Survivors: His beloved wife of 69 years, Jackie Harris; sons, Larry Harris and wife, Nancy, David Harris and Jeff Harris and wife, Talisa; grandchildren, Ryan Harris and his wife, Danielle, Angela Bassett and her husband, Justin, William Harris, James Harris, Hutton Harris and Chandler Harris and his wife, Janna; and five great-grandchildren.