James Lee Harris, Sr. was born December 14, 1934, in Black Hawk, Mississippi to the union of Frank and Louisa Harris. James attended elementary school in Black Hawk, Mississippi and later moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he attended high school.
Longing to serve his country, James enlisted into the Marine Corps on June 17, 1954 at the age of 19. He served 24 years in the Marine Corps rising through the enlisted ranks and retired in 1977 as a Gunnery Sergeant. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and served 15 months in Vietnam supporting humanitarian and combat missions. On January 2, 1965, James married his beautiful bride, Sara Lorraine Logan.
Known for professionalism and military bearing, Sergeant Harris was selected to become a Drill Instructor, a rare appointment for an African American in 1968. Overcoming racial barriers, he successfully negotiated the training of Marine Corps recruits and garnered the Outstanding Performer Award for the masterful way he molded and prepared new recruits.
After 24 years of outstanding war and peacetime service to his country, Gunnery Sergeant Harris received a promotion to Master Gunnery Sergeant. He declined the promotion and opted for retirement in order to concentrate on raising and providing for his bride and four children.
Upon retiring on August 12, 1977, James relocated his family to Valley Center, California, where he began a second career as an Expeditor with Singer Kearfott (Plessey Electronics). James continued his education at Palomar Community College in San Marcos, California, earning two Associate Degrees. He retired from Plessey Electronics on December 31, 1993, and returned to St. Louis, Missouri with his wife, Sara, in March, 1994, where they resided for 16 years before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in August 2010.
James enjoyed fishing, gardening, working with his hands and spending time with his family.
Gunnery Sergeant Harris’ military awards include the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Meritorious Mast, Rifle Expert Qualification and Pistol Expert Qualification.
He is survived by his wife loving wife of 46 years, Sara L. Harris, and children, Sonja Y. Harris of St. Louis, Missouri; Shevon L. Harris of St. Louis, Missouri; James L. Harris (Sonya) of Frisco, Texas and Fencisco N. Harris of Warner Robins, Georgia, Sisters and Brothers, Ruby Bryant of St. Louis, Missouri; Gladys Logan of Greenwood, Mississippi; Fred Harris (Kathleen) of Norwalk, California; Johnny Harris (Shelly) of Compton, California; and Ella Scott of Chicago, Illinois, eight grandchildren, Mikedra Thomas (Ernie), Jhordyn Davis, Kai Davis, Kiarla Graeler (Colby), Jamice Harris, Jada Harris, Elijah Harris and Trinity Harris, four, great-grandchildren, Dakarai Thomas, Deiana Thomas, Cali Graeler and Kiefer Graeler, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him and will dearly miss him.
James was preceded in death by his father, Frank Harris, Sr.; mother, Louisa Harris; sisters, Josephine Wall and Katie Harris; and brothers, Guylee Harris, Roosevelt Harris, Frank Harris and Charles Harris.
Visitation will be Wednesday, at Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, January, 4, 2021 at 10:00am.
Funeral Services will be held at Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV, Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 11:00am, Interment and Military Honors will take place at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, NV, January 4, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Memorial Contributions may be made to Nevada Cancer Institute, One Breakthrough Way, Las Vegas, NV 89135, (702) 822-LIFE.
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