Jimmie N. Harris

Jimmie Neal Harris

February 14, 1932 -- September 14, 2024

 Jim Harris passed quietly away this past week after months of declining health. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty Harris; parents Homer and Leona Mae Harris, his elder brother Ret. Major General Charles Harris, sister Frances Harris Custer; son-in-law John (Lonnie) Meiners, Jr, and daughter-in-law Mary Harris. He is survived by his children Patti Meiners, Alan Harris, Nancy Harris Devers (spouse Kevin), and Deborah Harris Carlton (spouse Paul); grandchildren Sean Holman, Brent Holman, Jon Harris, Dylan Vaughan, Jeremy Harris, Melissa Draper, Jamie Vaughan, Patrick Harris, and Jacob Draper. Beyond those listed here other survivors include dozens of extended family members: nieces, nephews, cousins, and step-grand and great grandchildren. Indeed, to know Jim well was to become in some way part of his family. 

A child of the Great Depression, Jim was born in Van Buren, Arkansas to Homer and Leona Mae Harris, who provided for all their children the best they could during extremely hard times. In spite of his modest background, he was able to earn a scholarship to what is now Central Arkansas University, majoring in Music. A gifted vocalist, while at CAU met and in their senior year married Betty Cassil in December 1953. She was the love of his life, to whom he remained devoted for the next 63 years. After a year teaching, Jim joined the United States Army, beginning a career that would see him rise from the enlisted ranks to that of Lt. Colonel. During his twenty years of active service, he managed to provide well for his growing family -- this despite their frequent moves to multiple postings throughout the country and abroad. These included a hardship tour to Korea (1962-64), with his family to Germany (66-68), and a hazardous duty deployment to Vietnam (1968-69). In his early career he did a little of everything from toting a rifle at drill to playing tuba with the Army Band. As an officer, he was trained in radar electronics and advanced missile defense control. While in Vietnam, he served as Divisional Signal Officer Advisor in support of South Vietnamese troops and American Special Forces in the Mekong. 

After his retirement from the army, Jim continued to work in civil service in logistics from his last posting at Fort Lee in Central Virginia. Many of his family and friends remain in the area, though others are scattered across the nation. Perhaps the most lasting testament to the life of Jimmie Harris is the delight, pride and satisfaction he took in the success of all his children and their families. More recently, Jim resided with his youngest daughter, Deborah in Northern Virginia, where she and other family tended to his care. A man of great faith, Jim Harris remained active in church life right up to the very end. Faith was indeed a hallmark of his life -- faith in God, faith in his country, and faith toward his family. As an expression of faith both Jim and Betty were always involved in church life, lending their love of music in either the choir or at the keyboard.  

A Memorial in Celebration for the Life of Jimmie N Harris will occur at Fairfax Christian Church, 10185 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22031, Saturday October 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM, officiated by the Rev. William Tweedley. Final interment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests donations to Fairfax Christian Church. The family would like to offer its gratitude for the many kind thoughts and prayers it has received over the last week. It is especially grateful for the kind and compassionate care he received from Vera Lartey in his final months.