James Edward Harris better known as "Jim" was born on November 15, 1933 to Samuel Harris and Mildred Harris in Covington, Kentucky. Jim was the second child but the first son born of their union.  The Lord called him home Saturday, April 6, 2019.

Jim joined First Baptist Church in 1961 and was an active member as a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Usher and committed youth mentor.

Jim grew up in Covington, Kentucky with his older sister Arcenia and younger brother Richard.  Jim shared a special relationship with his maternal aunt "Big Teenie" Arcenia Barber.  Jim attended Lincoln Grant High School and joined the Marine Corp in 1953.  Jim served his country as a Marine for 3 years including a tour in the Republic of Korea before receiving an honorable discharge.  Jim's experience in the military helped develop his passion for engineering and auto-diesel mechanics.  Upon his return to the States Jim enrolled and graduated from trade school in Chicago, Illinois earning his certifications as an auto-diesel mechanic.

After finishing trade school, Jim returned to Covington, Kentucky to marry his longtime sweetheart Alma L. Johnson on June 15, 1957 at First Baptist Church.  After marriage, Jim and Alma moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Jim worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 35 years earning the position of Lead Mechanic before his retirement.

Jim and Alma were soulmates sharing their love in marriage for nearly 62 years. Jim and Alma's union produced four beautiful children Daryl, Keith, Stephanie and Rodney.  Jim was more than a loving husband and father he was a master mechanic, a world traveler and follower of all cultures.  He had a creative mind and dreamed big but recognized the importance of organization and preparation to achieve his goals.

As a world traveler, Jim always had fond memories of traveling around the world on the cruises he shared with his many loved ones and friends; Jim made his last cruise in November with more than 20 of his loved ones to celebrate his 85th birthday.  Although he had been all around the world, Jim's true delight was his African tours of Senegal and Zimbabwe.  Jim was unapologetically black and proud with a passion for Black history.  Jim always taught his family and friends the importance of loving thyself and knowing your "roots".

Jim enjoyed spending time teaching and listening to young people.  He also recognized and respected the structure of the military; he believed military service was a viable option to gain life skills, world experience, maturity and tangible job skills.  He encouraged the young people he mentored to serve in leadership positions and to consider becoming a commissioned officer by attending the service academies.  Jim possessed a creative mind and the creativity and talent to transform his vision into reality.  He was also a fiercely independent soul that loved to travel on the open road without boundaries with his committed and devoted wife Alma.  Together they toured the United States several times and Mexico twice in Recreational Vehicle caravans.  Jim and Alma also loved entertaining friends and family in their RV while attending Black College Football games.

Jim loved his family and had an omnipresence at ANY of his children/grandchildren's games and events.  "Paw-paw" as he was affectionately known to his grandchildren will be remembered for his tough love and gentle heart.  Jim supported all of his children's endeavors and encouraged their success.  The "Great Elephant" ( as Jim called himself as the leader of his family) will be greatly missed by the family he leaves to mourn.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Samuel Harris and Mildred Harris Green, his sister Arcenia Mason, Aunt Arcenia Barber (Big Teenie), and grand-daughter Courtnie Gentry.

Jim leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved wife, Alma; his four children, Daryl (Deborah), Keith (Sheila), Stephanie (Bernard) and Rodney (Patricia); his brother, Richard (Carolyn); sister-in-law, Georgia Smith; cousins, Vanda Langham and Betty Nixonnine grandchildren, Daryl James (DJ), Dominic, Zachary, Lyndsey, Rodney II, Ryann, AleSandra, Carrington, Braxton; one great grandchild, Devon; nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the First Baptist Church-Covington,120 E. Ninth Street, Covington (41011).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, 11200 Princeton Pike, Springdale, Ohio 45246.

To share a memory of James or leave a special message for the Harris family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home, 7272 Hamilton Avenue, Mt. Healthy (45231)  is serving the  Harris family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.