James Henry Harris, Sr. was born into the union of two loving and Christian parents, Isaac and Helen May-Harris in Felton, Delaware. During his birth they chose to name him after Grandpop James Henry (Dieghton) May. Following a short illness, James departed this life praising with hand gestures, quietly and peacefully on October 21, 2016, with the immediate family around him.
James’ education began at Viola Elementary and Booker T. Washington Schools. He graduated Salutatorian from James H. Groves High School in Dover, Delaware. After marrying the love of his life Agnes, he helped to nurture their three children, Brenda, James Jr., and Curtis. James established employment at the Dover Air Force Base and later General Foods, now known as Kraft Foods, Inc., retiring after 30 years.
James’ church life began as a young boy at St. James Union AME Church. During his married life, James accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was also a member and served at Metropolitan United Methodist Church; then Whatcoat United Methodist Church from 1981-2016.
James further worshipped the Lord by singing and playing the guitar for the family’s “Harris Brothers Spiritual Singers.” At Whatcoat United Methodist Church, he became a member of the Veteran’s Affairs Ministry and Bible Study with Rev. Homer Minus unit his failing health.
James was a Boy Scout Master for Troop 79, a Modern Maturity pool shark, played horseshoes, enjoyed videoing, participated in karate performances, faithfully played the harmonica and guitar, and loved traveling to the Bahamas, Canada, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, Myrtle Beach, and their summer home.
James loved spending time with the four generations of his family, taking great pleasure in remembering each person’s birthday. His last words during his illness were, “I’ve lived a good and happy life, but I’m ready now to go home to see the King.”
James Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Helen Harris, a sister, Louise H. Pritchett, and brother Reynolds Harris. Remaining to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Agnes Harris; one daughter, Brenda Thomas (Marvin); two sons, James Harris, Jr. (Coreen), and Curtis Harris (Deborah); five brothers, Charles Harris, William Harris, Nelson Harris (Eva), Kenneth Harris (Margaret), and Paul Harris; two additional sisters-in-law, Marian Harris and Elizabeth Johnson (Albert), three brothers-in-law, Melvin Smith (Dorothy), Alvin Smith (Terry), and Harold Smith. He also leaves an aunt-in-law, Lillian Smith Edwards. Additionally, he leaves eight grandchildren, Lachrisa Conyers (Antoine), Marquita Thomas Brown (Bobby), Christopher Harris, Tiffany Harris, Curtis Harris, Jr. (Kim), Courtney Harris, Chelsea Harris, Christian Harris,; 12 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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