James Harris Jr. August 21, 1940 - April 30, 2023

On April 30, 2023, Mr. James Harris Jr. transitioned from this earthly life into eternity at the age of 82.  James Harris was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 21, 1940 to the late James Harris Sr. and Anne Peoples Harris. James accepted Christ many years ago.  He was the second oldest of seven children. James became an apprentice in the meat cutting industry as a young adult.  He started out working at Frank's Meat Market in the West End. James married Joann Williams in the year of 1961. They were married for 55 years before Joann proceeded him in transition in 2016. From their union, they had three sons Rodney, Keith, and Michael. In 1963, James and Joann left Cincinnati to move to Los Angeles, California, for a better life. James was a meat cutter for 40 years and a very hard worker that hardly ever missed a day of work. James had many talents and could fix just about anything.  He always did projects around the house and he made sure that his family was well provided for. In 1988, Joann suffered a massive stroke that left her partially paralyzed.  James became her main caregiver until her death in 2016.  As her caregiver, he made sure that she received the best care.  He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. James and Joann played instrumental roles in their granddaughter's lives. Their oldest granddaughter Shameka lived with them for a short period of time and after the death of their son Michael, James and Joann took guardianship of their granddaughter Vanessa and raised her as their daughter. They even played a major role with helping Vanessa raise her own children. James loved boating; he enjoyed the peace of the open waters.  He also loved shooting pool.  He loved to ride motorcycles.  He stopped riding after an accident that was no fault of his own.  He was also an inventor.  In the early 1970's, James attempted to get a patent on an automatic dog feeder.  James was not the senior citizen who avoided technology.  He got a computer and embraced technology.  He was everybody's Facebook friend. James was preceded in death by his parents, James Harris Sr. and Anne Peoples; wife, JoAnn Harris; sons, Keith and Michael Harris; great grandson, Edward Juju Sutton; sisters, Delores Tucker, Ann Harris and Leila Harris; and brother, Charles Harris. James leaves to cherish his memories: Son, Rodney [Lynette] of Vancouver Washington; Granddaughter, Vanessa Sutton [Edward] of Ontario California; sisters, Shirley Harris and Peggy Lancaster, both of Cincinnati ,Ohio; Sisters-in-laws, Arlene Hampton and Delores Bell of Cincinnati, Ohio; Grandchildren, Shameka Harris, Janelle Tate, Cherie Bolton,  and Desirea Harris; Great grandchildren, Amarri Dawson, Michael Sutton-Shy, Aarion Butler, Kayleigh Sutton, Nyger Tate, Karrington Sutton, Dereon Harris, Malaya Harris, Isaiah Ausherman, Raegan Gibson, Josiah'King Williams, Elijah'King Williams, Brooklyn Harris, Kori Sutton, Trinity Tate and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation is from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, on  Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Walker Funeral Home -  Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 10:00 am.

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.

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."

Herbert T. Walker III and Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206)  are  honored to serve the Harris family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.