Rev. James. R. Harris, Sr. of Taylors, South Carolina passed from this life in his home with his family by his side. At the time of his passing of natural causes on December 27, 2014, he was 92 years of age. Just a short time before his passing, he was lifting his hands, praising God and singing, "No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus."
James was born on November 6, 1922, in Cullowhee, North Carolina, the son of the late James Monroe and the late Katie (Reece ) Harris. He was married to Rev. Ellen Harris.
He served in the United States Army and was a WWII veteran who served in five military campaigns in Europe: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Central Europe. James was the recipient of the EAMET (European African Middle East Theater) Campaign Medal with five Bronze Service Stars, three Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal and the American Theater Campaign Medal.
He was a member of the John F. Daniel American Legion Post #3, Greenville, South Carolina and a member of the Disabled American Veterans - Alvin L. Wilson Chapter #1, Mauldin, South Carolina.
During his career, James worked heavy construction as a carpenter/welder and was a foreman on most of his jobs. Major construction projects include the St. Lawrence Seaway, Massena, New York; Hartwell Dam, Hartwell, Georgia; San Luis Reservoir, Las Banos, California; Oroville Dam, Oroville, California; the Houston Astrodome; the Daniel Building, Greenville, South Carolina and dearest to him--Glen Canyon Dam, Page, Arizona. He and his wife, Rev. Ellen Harris, also served 15 years as missionaries to the Navajo in Northern Arizona and pastored First Assembly of God, Page, Arizona. At his passing, he and Ellen were pastors of Life and Hope Assembly of God.
He lived and worked with the desire of being a Faithful Servant to our Lord and a dedicated provider for his family. In all of his work and callings, he desired to be the best he could be.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen, of 59 years, three children; James Harris, Jr. (Teri Lyn) of Maricopa, Arizona; Jamella Connor (Keith) of Central, South Carolina and Nicole Harris of the home. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Brett Harris (Bethanny), Jaime Doggett (Simon), Robert Harris (Mandi), Christiana Connor (Christopher Greer), Jamin Connor (Dana), Erin Connor, Jessica Partridge and 15 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers; Paul, George and Wendell Harris. He was pre-deceased by daughter, Ronda Gayle Partridge, grandson, Richard Partridge, sisters; Stella and Jane and brothers; John, Floyd, Herbert and Curtis Harris. James was also predeceased by his first wife of five years, Mildred Hinton Harris.
His service will be held with military honors at Woodlawn Funeral Home (1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville SC) at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2015. Receiving of family and friends will begin at 12:30 pm. Entombment will follow at the Remembrance Mausoleum at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Life and Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 26431, Greenville, SC 29616.
Online condolences may be left at www.woodlawn-fh.com.
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