James L. Harris

James Louis Harris (Jim), beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on August 11th surrounded by his family. Jim was born on December 4th, 1928 in Los Angeles, California to Irene and Lucien Harris, and lived a large part of his childhood in Fort Morgan, Colorado. He graduated from Marquette University as a Civil Engineer in 1951 and proudly served his country in the Army Corps of Engineers. Throughout his career, Jim designed and constructed many bridges and dams, and was the owner of Rendrag, Inc. in Sealy, Texas where he patented a barge connector. Jim’s greatest joy in life was his wife of 58 years, Martha, his six children and sixteen grandchildren. He was a faithful and active member of St. John Vianney Catholic church, and served as a CCE teacher, usher, Parish Council leader, Finance Council member and was instrumental in building both St. Cecilia’s and St. John Vianney. He was also a 4th degree member and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed the many friendships that he established over the years at church. He enjoyed traveling, fishing and golf. His sense of humor and clever wit will be missed by everyone who was blessed to have known him.

Jim is survived by his family: his wife, Martha; his children: Lucien Harris and his wife Shari; Michael Harris and his wife Sarah; John Harris and his wife Marion; Ellen Heiberger and her husband Ed; Tom Harris and his wife Rita; David Harris and his wife Phoebe; and his sixteen grandchildren: Ashley and Alex Holladay, James Harris, Melissa Harris, Katie Heiberger, John Harris, Zachary Harris, Christopher Harris, Thomas Heiberger, Mary Heiberger, William Harris, Jacob Harris, Anna Harris, Elsa Harris, David Harris, Aislynn Harris and Adelais Harris. He is also survived by his dear sister, Marie Westhoff, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jane Light.

Visitation with the family will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, on Thursday, August 15th from 5-7p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30. A funeral Mass celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Friday, August 16th at 1:00 p.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s name to Texas Children's Cancer Center, 6701 Fannin Street, Suite 1510, Attn. Lisa McCoy, Houston, Tx 77030, or to The Knights of Columbus Seminarian Fund, 527 Ashford Forest Drive, Houston, Tx 77079.