Alpha Frater James Harris, dies at 70

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James Edward Harris, 70, of 1069 Grasemere Circle, died unexpectedly Tuesday, September 01, 2009 in MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. Dr. Harris was born September 23, 1938 to the late Fred and Mary Wilson Harris, Sr. in Gary, Indiana and had lived in Mansfield the past 33 years.

After graduating from Gary Roosevelt High School in 1956, James enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves after completing enlistment time enrolled in college. He received a B.S. degree in education from Central State University, a Masters degree in Elementary Supervision from Indiana State University and his PH.D. in School Administration from the University of Michigan. James served as a School Administrator in Inkster, Michigan public schools prior to coming to Mansfield to serve in the same capacity retiring from the Mansfield City School System in 1994 after 18 years of service.

A devoted member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist church, he was the former Treasurer, a Trustee, member of the male chorus, chaired the van and valet parking ministries. James was i

nstrumental in starting the Inez Thompson Scholarship, and the Summer Tutoring Program at the church. He was actively involved in the community, a former member of the United Way Board, Habitat for Humanity, and one of the co-chairpersons of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Committee. Socially he was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a Golden Heritage Life Member of the NAACP, and the University of Michigan Alumni Association.

James is survived by his wife, Betty Palmer Harris; four daughters, Cynthia and Sharon Palmer both of Mansfield, Joan and Latonya Palmer both of Columbus; one son, Larry Taylor of Mansfield; two sisters, Ersena J. Pryor, Lillie (Milton) Ward both of Gary; three brothers, Thomas (Bernice) Harris, and William J. Harris both of Gary, and Rev. Lawrence (Rev. Shirley) Harris of Kent, Washington; 15 grandchildren; and a host of great and great great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Palmer; one sister, Elizabeth Welford; and two brothers, Fred Jr., and Johnny Harris.

James gave the gift of life through Lifeline of Ohio.

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