James Harding Harris

August 10, 1923 - March 27, 2023

Following a period of declining health Jim Harris passed away at the age of 99. He was a man of many accomplishments. Jim was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Wolfe and Minnie Harris, and graduated from Meyers High School in 1941.

Following his life-long love of airplanes, Jim attended the Academy of Aeronautics in New York. In 1942, wanting to help out with the war effort, Jim worked as an aeronautic engineering inspector with Glenn L Martin Aircraft until entering the Army Air Forces on October 16,1943. He served stateside, supervising a team that performed inspections on aircraft and he became a C-46 mechanics instructor.

Following the war, Jim attended classes in business accounting and law through the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.

In 1946, Jim joined his father’s business, Pioneer Manufacturing, which manufactured girls’ clothing. This was the beginning of a long career in children’s wear manufacturing, culminating in the mid-1960’s with the merger of Jim’s business with Roseneau Brothers, at that time the largest manufacturer of girls dresses, including Cinderella Fashions.

In the spring of 1947, Jim met the love of his life through a blind date at a local college dance. Ruth Kluger, who at the time was working in the fashion industry in New York City came home for the date and to visit her parents at their home in Wyoming, PA. The morning after that first date, Ruth told her mother, “That’s the kind of man I could marry.” Ruth and Jim married on March 7, 1948, and had two daughters, Shelley and Nancy. Jim and Ruth quietly celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on March 7, 2023

Jim had been playing golf with his father. After their marriage, Ruth took golf lessons so the she could join Jim on the local courses. They played together for many years in Pennsylvania and in the San Diego area. Jim also volunteered at local PGA events.

In keeping with his interest in airplanes, Jim became a private pilot in 1958. He flew his Cessna 180 and later 210 for family trips and business, and gained an instrument rating. He loved cars. In the 1960’s he owned an Austin Healy and a Corvette, and raced them on frozen lakes.

In the late 60’s, he purchased an AAMCO transmissions franchise and soon built it up to be a top-performer.

Then fate stepped in. Due to a heavy snowfall in 1970 on Easter Sunday that blocked the AAMCO parking lot, Jim decided that he’d had enough of the winter weather in northeastern PA. In 1971 with friends, Jim opened Value-Land, a discount retail fabric and domestic store in Chula Vista. The family moved to San Diego that year,

Subsquently, six additional stores Value-Land stores were opened in the San Diego area. In 1990, Jim sold the Value-Land corporation, and Jim and Ruth began to enjoy retirement.

Now Jim was able to devote more time to his life-long interest in cars and he became active in the Early Ford and V-8 Ford Clubs. He spent many hours maintaining, showing, and traveling with his beloved classic cars much to the anguish of his wife. He was proud of the many awards he received for his different cars.

Jim was involved in many community organizations. He was a Scottish Rite Mason, having raised to Master Mason in 1948. He was a member of San Diego Lodge #35 Free and Accepted Masons, and Al Bahr Shrine.

In 1994, Jim began 22 years of volunteer service to SCORE, a national association of counselors to America’s small business owners. He brought his years of professional success in manufacturing and retail sales to mentor aspiring and current small business owners, and additionally received commendations from the Federal Bureau of Prisons for his work at San Diego area correctional facilities coaching individuals needing interview and job application skills.

Jim and Ruth lived life to the fullest, enjoying cultural activities and world travel. He was a strong supporter of Israel and Jewish causes, and community needs.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth and daughters Nancy Harris, Shelley Ross, son-in-law Jeff Ross and nieces, nephews, and great- nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.

A private service was held on March 30th.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank P9850 Distribution Avenue San Diego, CA 92121-2320 and Jewish Family Service of San Diego 8804 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123