Jack Edward Harris, 79, passed away on Sat. June 20 , 2020 at his winter home in Largo, FL. He was born in Richmond, IN to E. Wayne and Ruth Stephenson Harris.
He was a lifetime resident of Richmond. After his retirement he became a snowbird and lived in Largo for fifteen years.
He attended Riley elementary and jr. high school, and RHS. His mother taught third grade and was Jack’s teacher. Tale was , he would forget and sometimes call her Mom at school and Mrs. Harris at home.
He met his future wife, Judy Thistlethwaite in the 7th grade at Riley. They graduated in the same class in 1959 and recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary .
Jack’s first job was cutting roses at Joseph Hill greenhouse. His second job was at Rodefeld Electronics. It was while working there , in the mid 1960’s, Jack was asked by Roy Ridge to become his first full time employee, working for him as a service technician at his business, Allied Advertising / MUZAK. The business became Allied Broadcast Equipment in the early 1970’s . Years later, Harris Corporation partnered with Allied , forming Harris-Allied , and Jack retired there as manager of technical services in 1999 .
He was an avid sports fan attending RHS games and followed IU, Colts, Pacers, and Nascar.
Jack’s children and grandchildren were the highlights of his life. They knew he was always there for them and led by quiet example. They are going to miss Dad and Grandpa.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, parents, his youngest son Jon, his oldest grandson Chris Brown, and sister, Nonalee Harris Bell.
He is survived by his wife Judy, daughter, Joy and her husband, Chuck Brown, and son, Jay.
Also surviving are his grandchildren Kellie Brown Leeth (Ben), Matt and Austin Harris , his first great grandson, Andrew Christopher Leeth , who was born in February , two brothers, Bill (Marilyn), and Jim (Nancy), several nephews and nieces including Ed Bell (Debbie), Beth Harris Chrismer (Mark), Paul Harris (Charlotte) Steve Harris (Leslie), Rebecca Musser (Eric). Also several grand nephews and nieces.
Jack has donated his body to science. Services will be held later at the convenience of the family.