Mr. James Edgar Harris

Jim Harris was born in Mobile, Alabama on December 3rd , 1938, to the late Marjorie Foster Nicholas and Claude Harris. He was also preceded in death by his stepfathers Joe Pazuch and Frank Nicolas. He passed away on August 7th, 2024…shortly after moving to The Retreat, a SAAD’s hospice facility. Jim spent his formative years in Mobile, where he became a lifelong fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide. After graduating from Murphy High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, where he found both a sense of structure, discipline and camaraderie…as he invested 6yrs in the Marine reserves. He spent a few years in both the grocery and motel industries, before settling in at MacKinnon Paper Company, where he was the VP of Sales for over 30yrs. Although he excelled at his profession, building a successful and long-standing career, he often said that what he enjoyed the most was meeting with his clients and solving their needs. Better yet, making new friends. When he wasn’t working, he spent a lot of time travelling to watch his sons, Mark & Troy, participate in countless sporting events and plays throughout the years. Even after they moved to California in the early 90s, they continued to talk often. The three of them enjoyed sharing their love of Bama football, family, yardwork and church…all of which Jim had passed down to them. Jim also shared his wisdom and stories with his grandsons, Dylan & Gage, as well as his daughters-in-law, Rose & Colleen. An active member of Cottage Hill Baptist church, Jim was also a devout Christian and participated in various activities and club events. He always enjoyed learning more about God and sharing the gospel with family and friends, as well as helping his community. It was also at church where he met his wife of approximately 30yrs, Linda. Together they shared a love of church, family, movies and spending quality time together. To say Jim loved Linda’s cooking would be an understatement. Whatever she prepared, he was her biggest fan. They built a wonderful life together. Unfortunately, in mid-2023, Jim’s health began to decline. Yet, even at the young age of 85, he could often be seen outside doing yardwork for 4-5hrs+. He even continued to work out in his home gym each week. Ironically, during this time, it provided an opportunity for him to spend more time with his family and friends, growing closer to his sons, as well as his sisters, Susan & Donna, and his brothers-in-law, Buddy & Carlton, who were extremely vigilant, helpful and supportive during this last year. But by mid-2024, his condition got worse, and it was discovered he had pancreatic cancer. Despite the news, he was in good spirits and at peace, as he knew he was bound for Heaven. God must have been listening because no sooner did he learn about his condition and was admitted into hospice, that he passed away peacefully with his family by his side. The world has lost a helluva man. A one-of-a-kind individual whose love of family, relentless work ethic, determination and focus belied his funny sense of humor and artistic side-as we later discovered, he was a talented artist and singer. An outstanding husband, father, brother, son, uncle and grandfather, he will be sorely missed but we take comfort that he’s now resting peacefully in Heaven. Roll Tide! Memorials may be made in honor of Mr. James E Harris to the American Cancer Society and/or Cottage Hill Baptist Church.

Mr. James Edgar Harris

December 3, 1938 - August 7, 2024