James H. Harris

James Henry Harris, “Pop”, passed away on February 12, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born April 12, 1935, Jimmy was 87 years old at the time of his death. He is survived and missed by his loving wife of 66 years, Patricia; his children, Robyn (Clay), Randy (Sandra), and Rebecca; his granddaughter (aka his third daughter) Julie, grandson Justin (Meghan), and granddaughters Allison (Ben) and Katy, and preceded in death by his grandson Christopher. “Pop” was also blessed with and survived by five great grandchildren, Gabriel, Samson, Rebecca (“Rue”), Kether, and Charles. Born into a large family with nine siblings, Pop had far too many nieces, nephews, and “greats” to name here. A true “Renaissance Man”, Jim was a poet, a painter, a writer, a photographer, a master gardener, an illustrator, and a builder of the most intricate birdhouses you’ve ever seen that were never actually intended for birds to inhabit. He was a firm believer that “anything worth doing, is worth doing right” and for something to be done right, you have to do it yourself. He instilled this same belief in his children (for better or for worse). Jim attended Birmingham Southern College in 1953 to pursue an engineering degree but was unable to complete his degree at that time. He went to work at Pullman Standard Company at the age of 19 and worked there until the company shut down when he was 46 years old. Not one to sit around and wait for the next opportunity, he went to Bessemer Tech and earned an associate degree in metallurgy while at the same time teaching remedial math. For his next career, he worked at Celotex Roofing as the head technician in the Central Quality Control lab. After “retiring” from Celotex, he worked as a bailiff in the Columbiana courthouse, and a delivery driver for his daughter Rebecca’s marketing company. At the age of 60, Jim completed his BS degree at Birmingham Southern College. Jim was a Christian of great faith and knew where he was going at the end of his time on Earth. He is now perfectly healed, dancing with the angels and trading back slaps with his brothers. The family is beyond grateful for the caregivers that were with him during his final weeks and days, you laughed at his jokes and tolerated his moods with patience and grace. In remembrance of “Pop” and his battle with Parkinson’s Disease and his love for helping children in need, the family is requesting donations to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to Garrett’s Place. If, however, flowers are preferred, the family requests plants that can be planted in Pop’s memory, please contact LaCole’s and Ann’s Florist in Bessemer (205-428-9341).

James H. Harris

April 12, 1935 - February 12, 2023