James R. Harris

James R. Harris

March 19, 1938 - December 3, 2024 

James (Jim) R. Harris, of Irvine, CA, transitioned peacefully on December 3, 2024, at the age of 86, from complications of dementia, with his partner by his side, at Silverado Memory Care, Tustin, CA. Jim was born in New Castle, IN to his mother, Hilda (Ocker) Harris and father, Joseph Harris. 

After living in New Castle for five years, his family moved to Spiceland, IN, where Jim grew to adulthood. He attended the Spiceland Academy for twelve years, Butler University and then transferred to Ball State University, where he received his BA. He then received a scholarship to Indiana University, earning an MA in education, and then attended California State University, Fullerton, CA, earning an MA in English. Jim fervently dedicated himself to a life of service. He was always a leader. During his youth, he was senior class president, fraternity president, chairman of the Young Democrats, and served in many other leadership roles in the school and community. One of his proudest achievements was managing his mother’s campaign for Henry Township Assessor, in which office she served for several years. Other proud moments were welcoming Eleanor Roosevelt to the campus of Ball State while he was fraternity president, as well as receiving an invitation to the White House for JFK’s inaugural celebration. In recent years, he was thrilled to attend the last Spiceland Academy reunion, where he reunited with many of his former classmates.

Jim served for 60 years in education. He loved education and felt that it was his highest calling. He taught English, French, speech and drama for several years in Indiana at high schools in Spiceland, Mount Summit and Sulphur Springs. After graduating from IU, he was hired by CSU Long Beach to manage student residence halls. He then taught English at Yorba Jr. High School and El Modena High School, while serving as Orange Unified District English Department Chair. After finishing his MA in English at CSU Fullerton, he was hired to teach English and ESL at Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, CA. As soon as he was hired, he was chosen to be English Dept. Chair. Soon after, he was promoted to Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts, where he served for several years. His love of the students, however, called him to return to the classroom, where he remained until his retirement at 80. While teaching at Santa Ana College, he served as English Dept. Chair, President of the Academic Senate, and Vice-President of the teachers’ union. His contributions to the students and colleagues were many. He helped create The Writing Center, which was named in honor of him. He also helped expand the English and ESL curriculum. Besides his leadership in education and politics, he was also homeowner association president of Cypress Point, Mission Viejo, CA, for several years, where he helped financially strengthen the association and resolved many serious problems for homeowners.

Upon his leaving the association, an appreciative homeowner lovingly called him “The Legend.” Jim had many interests. He loved reading, traveling, gardening, animals, music, theater and being with his friends and family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved regaling his listeners with stories that would make them laugh until they hurt. He had a beautiful singing voice, was asked to sing at various events throughout his life, and often sang a moving “O Holy Night” in French at parties. He could frequently be found in the back yard trimming bushes, marveling at a sunset or quietly reading and petting his kitties, Gabriel and Charlie.

Jim is survived by his partner of 50 years, Michael Lewis of Irvine, CA; his brother David Harris of Middletown, IN; niece Lana Freeman and husband David of New Castle, IN; their children Latasha, Mariah, Quinn, Deion and Shaydyn, along with their children; nephew Matthew Harris of Goodlettsville, TN; his children Allison and Leslie; and his many loving friends, students and colleagues.

Jim is predeceased by his mother, Hilda (Ocker) Harris, father Joseph Harris, sisters-in-law Saundra Joe Harris-Bramlett and Carol (Allen) Harris. His family wishes to thank the loving care and compassion given by the staff at Irvine Adult Day Health Center, Woodbridge Terrace, Irvine, CA, and Silverado Memory Care, Tustin, CA.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00, January 25, 2025, at Saddleback Chapel, 220 E. Main St., Tustin, CA and at 10:00 (9:00 viewing), February 1, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, New Castle, IN, with burial in South Mound Cemetery, New Castle. Donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Jim was a loving, kind, generous man who will be deeply missed and will remain forever in our hearts.

You may express condolences or share a memory of Jim at www.hinsey-brown.com.