Mr. James Matthew Harris, Sr.

The Life Journey of Mr. James Matthew Harris, Sr. Mr. James Matthew Harris, Sr., was born on May 27, 1939, in Brandon, Mississippi, to Mr. Percy Edward Harris, Sr., and Mrs. Annie Rachel (Flowers) Harris. James dedicated his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of Mountain Ridge United Methodist Church, now known as Mountain Ridge Christian Fellowship Church. His family knew him as someone who began his day with a cup of coffee and studying his bible study at the kitchen table. He continued to serve faithfully as a deacon and trustee until he entered the arms of the Lord. Some call him the backbone of Mountain Ridge Church for his faithfulness and dedication to service, strength in leadership, and based upon the many titles he held over the years. Mr. Harris attended Cone Hill Elementary School, a school known for providing education to African American students, and later Pelahatchie High School. He then earned an associate’s degree in Auto Mechanics from Hinds Junior College. Mr. Harris united in holy matrimony in 1962 to Joan (Knight) Harris, lasting for 63 years until departing this life. He loved to travel to many places: the Bahamas, Texas, California, and Mexico, where a car or plane would journey. Mack was known to be a great conversationalist. He was a person who never met a stranger. Mr. Harris was a hard worker all his life, beginning with a child who worked picking vegetables in the fields of Brandon, where he and his siblings worked assisting neighbors in need. Being analytical-minded, during these years, he honed his skills at learning to fix anything related to mechanics, plumbing, electrical, and home improvement. His career achievements include working for Jackson Ready Mix, and as an auto-mechanic for JC Penney. Lastly, he enjoyed over 30 years of working for Siemens Allens in Florence, Mississippi. Post-retirement, Mr. Harris finished his career by working for the Girl Scouts Council for over 12 years, mentoring and continuing his journey of impacting the lives of children. Mr. Harris is remembered for his infectious laughter and use of “expressive” language when communicating thoughts to others. He was a natural jokester, always evoking laughter out of those around him. “Mack” was excellent at sharing the bible as a vessel to encourage others, having mentored people from all walks of life. He never met a stranger. “Mack” loved tilling and developing the land with plants, painting statues, and talking to neighbors. He was a plant enthusiast and was always landscaping some areas of his property. “Mack” could repair any farm equipment, cars, trucks, leaking roofs, electrical, in fact, anything. He often did jobs for friends and neighbors free of charge. Many times, over the years, a person may not have been able to afford a car part, but “Mack” would purchase the needed item with his own money. He truly practiced and led the life of a servant leader. He believed in the power of tithing and being a cheerful giver in the church. Mr. Harris, affectionately called by his parents and community “Mack,” was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Annie Rachel Harris; brothers Curtis Lee Harris, Tobe Ballard Harris, Wendell “Doug” Harris, and Percy Edward Harris, Jr.; and one sister, Clarece Harris. Mr. Harris was called into his heavenly home on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Mr. Harris is mourned by his loving wife, Joan K. Harris; his cherished children, Angelia F. Harris-Hudson (Giles) of San Antonio, Texas, James M. Harris, Jr. (Renae) of Jackson, Mississippi, and Steven Harris, Sr. (Kim) of Oahu, Hawaii; a sister, Ruby (Harris) Landrum of Indianapolis, Indiana; and two brothers, George H. Harris (Bessie) of Jackson, Mississippi, and Leonard C. Harris (Helen) of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is survived by many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He will truly be missed.

Mr. James Matthew Harris, Sr.

May 27, 1939 - February 20, 2025