James Albert Harris, Jr.
Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15)
James Albert Harris Jr. transitioned from earth to eternal rest on Tuesday, August 13, 2019. James entered this world on November 17, 1928 to the late Sgt. James Harris, Sr. and Mary Payton in Norfolk, VA. The first grandchild, he was reared by his maternal grandparents, Joseph Payton Sr. and Ella Payton in the Titustown Section of Norfolk, VA. He was the apple of his grandfather’s eye and his grandmother’s heart. He lived in the family home with his uncles and aunts who he lovingly called his brothers and sisters.
James attended the First Baptist Church of Logan Park and accepted Christ there at an early age. He remained a faithful and loyal member until his demise. He served several years as the director of the Vacation Bible School along with his devoted wife. He was a member of the “80 Year Old Club”. James also served in various ministries in the church and used his God gifts and talents to bless others. For many years he served as an officer and member of the Titustown Civic League.
James received his education in the Norfolk Public School System. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1949, he attended the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College (Presently known as Norfolk State College) majoring in Biology. Upon completing the two year curriculum at Norfolk Division of Virginia State College he moved to Texas to live with his father. He transferred to Tillison College in San Antonio, Texas where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. He received his Master’s of Science in Biology from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.
He began his career as a member of the staff at Ruffner Jr. High School in 1954. He ended his career as a Biology teacher at Lake Taylor High School. Mr. Harris enjoyed teaching and was excited to see his students become interested in biology, chemistry, and earth science. Upon retirement, he was always will to share his knowledge and often volunteered to present science lessons at his grandchildren schools. After meeting a high school classmate in 1955, he began dating dated Willie Mae Spivey. On July 6, 1957 James was married to his best friend, Willie Mae Spivey. They began their lives together in a home he had built across the street from where he was reared.
James and Willie Mae welcomed five children into their family. His children were his pride and joy. He and his wife instilled in their children to pursue their education, to invest in real estate and above all to serve the Lord. To Willie Mae, James was a devoted husband and provider. He was a loving father and discipline his children with patient and a taught them excellent work skills.
James and Willie Mae opened their home to become caregivers for his uncles, Elliot and Joseph Harris, his father, James Harris, his father in law, Thee Artis Spivey, Sr. and his grandmother in law, Willie Ann Mills. They also opened their home to help Willie Mae’s sister in the nursing of unexpected twin. Until his recent accident, James was known to help the elderly by visiting, transporting them form doctor visits and caring meals.
He is predeceased by his godly wife, Willie Mae Harris, his daughter, Hattie Williamson, his brothers, Johnny and David his parents James and Mary Harris, and grandparents, Charles and Ella Payton. His uncles aunts Charlie, Clarence Sr, James, Payton, Ella Brown, Beatrice Jacobs and Naomi Hampton; his father and mother in law, Thee Artis Spivey, Sr. and Hattie Spivey, and brother in laws, Thee Artis, Jr., Trevoir Artway and Reginald Spivey, sister in law, Sallie Smith and Francyne Spivey.
He leaves to cherish his memory, three sons, James Harris III, Jerome Eric Harris (Nancy), and L. Drake Harris; and one daughter, April Harris; one son in law, Carl Williamson; six grandchildren, Sean Collins-Harris (Geneva), Carla Williamson, Hillary Sampson, Natasha Webster, Lance Harris (Vanessa), Brandon Williamson (LaShontae) Michele Aragones (Jerry) and Krystal Martinez; sixteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara and Martha Harris; a brother in law, Garrie Spivey; sister in laws, Frances Elaine Spivey and Lula Thornton; a god son, Noah Rogers; a god daughter, Diane Creekmore; special family friend Keith Fulford; and a host of, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
We will miss him dearly. James Harris enjoyed life to the fullest. His earthly journey has been completed. May “Well done thou faithful servant” be his reward.
The purpose of our trials is not only to test our worthiness but also to increase it, just as the mighty oak is tested by the storms as well as strengthened by them.
FB. Meyer
Condolences(8)-
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Head, Edwards (Vanessa) TITUSTOWN, DIVEN STREET says
August 14, 2019 at 12:54 pmLamont, Please remember that our memories are forever and a place where we can always visit when our loved ones are no longer here with us.
Mary Jones says
August 14, 2019 at 3:42 pmMy thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the late Mr. Harris. He was my biology teacher and one of my favorite teachers. He will truly be missed
Sanjues Sampson says
August 14, 2019 at 6:35 pmBro Lamont, your co- worker at UMM sends their Condolences and you know our prayers are with you and your family.
Shelter Manager
Sanjues Sampson
ZELMA HARRINGTON AND FAMILY says
August 14, 2019 at 9:34 pmLAMONT AND THE HARRIS FAMILY YOU HAVE MY CONDOLENCES WE LOVED POP HARRIS PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY
Roberto says
August 15, 2019 at 12:25 pmMy prayers are with the family!!! Amen
Anthony Spivey says
August 15, 2019 at 1:53 pmUncle Bubba will be missed by us all. He always had a smile on his face and kind words for us. I will always remember his going back and forward to Petersburg every week to finish his degree. Always a smart caring man. I will forgive you Uncle for turning my car into a paint vehicle. Thanks for all of the memories and rest in peace. We all miss and love you. Your nephew, Tony Spivey
Deacon Emeritus, Carolyn Hayes says
August 16, 2019 at 4:28 pmTo our neighbor Sister Lula Thornton and this entire loving family, may you find addition comfort in knowing you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Hayes Family of Chesapeake, VA (SONO)
COOKEE McCOY says
August 17, 2019 at 3:14 pmMy sincere condolences to the family.Mr James Harris had a Sweetheart. He Loved his family and always willing to help others to improve in their lives.I will truly miss my friend beyond measures. May God strengthen the family with Peace and Understanding