Obituary for James "Jim" Richard Harris
James Richard Harris, age 86, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021.
Jim was born on June 3, 1934 in Owen County, Kentucky to parents David and Ida (Adkins) Harris and was raised among his ten siblings. Early in his childhood, the Harris family moved to Dearborn, Michigan and Jim would later graduate from Fordson High School. Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. Jim took a position in the mailroom of Michigan Bell during his senior year of school which eventually led to a 46 year career. He jumped at every opportunity to learn and grow into new positions and acquire new skills. Opportunities with Michigan Bell led to relocating to the Seattle, Washington area for almost 20 years while working with Pacific Northwest Bell.
During his free time, Jim enjoyed woodworking and exploring the Pacific Northwest with those he loved. He often would serenade his loved ones with one of his favorite hymns or, sometimes, a Hank Williams song. He was a member of Riverside Park Church of God in Livonia for 25 years.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, David and Ida Harris; his first wife, Janet Marie (Garrison) Harris; his siblings, Robert, Cecil, Norman, John, Gerald, William, and Mary Kathleen; his step-children, Linda Nelson, James Bills, and Rebecca Warnemuende; and his life-long best friend, Arthur Allen Bills.
He will be deeply missed by his wife of 23 years, Patricia Bills; his children, Michael (Adele), Kimberly (Stephen Plasko), Mark (Gail), and Kevin; his siblings, Mona, Naomi, and Paul (Marilyn); his step-children, Walter (Jan), and Thomas (Monique); his grandchildren, Aimee (Grant) Kinsey, Adam and Cyle, Allysha, Tyrell, Ryan, Erin, and Jacob; step-grandchildren, Brianna, Kendra, Jessica, Rachel, Angela, Natalie, Blake, Emry, Thomas, Jennifer, Kimberly, and Amanda; and great-granddaughter, Rachel.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 1, 2021, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Nie Family Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor. In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, only 25 guests can gather indoors at any given time. The funeral home staff will rotate guests as they arrive so they may express their condolences to the Harris family.
Funeral service is scheduled for Monday, March 1, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Nie Family Funeral Home. As only 25 guests are allowed- a live stream link will be available so friends and family may attend virtually. The link will be available on Monday at 2:50 pm here under webcasting under the Photos & Video Tab, or visit The Nie Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services Facebook page to watch the live stream.
Nie Funeral Home Visitor Guidelines:
If you feel sick, have cold or flu like symptoms and/or have a fever, please go back home
Cover Face and Wear a Mask when in the building
We can have up to 25 family members and friends in the visitation room at one time
Please avoid personal contact like shaking hands or hugging, please extend verbal salutations
Please cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, please dispose of the tissue immediately
Please wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds under running water
Please avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Jim was born on June 3, 1934 in Owen County, Kentucky to parents David and Ida (Adkins) Harris and was raised among his ten siblings. Early in his childhood, the Harris family moved to Dearborn, Michigan and Jim would later graduate from Fordson High School. Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. Jim took a position in the mailroom of Michigan Bell during his senior year of school which eventually led to a 46 year career. He jumped at every opportunity to learn and grow into new positions and acquire new skills. Opportunities with Michigan Bell led to relocating to the Seattle, Washington area for almost 20 years while working with Pacific Northwest Bell.
During his free time, Jim enjoyed woodworking and exploring the Pacific Northwest with those he loved. He often would serenade his loved ones with one of his favorite hymns or, sometimes, a Hank Williams song. He was a member of Riverside Park Church of God in Livonia for 25 years.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, David and Ida Harris; his first wife, Janet Marie (Garrison) Harris; his siblings, Robert, Cecil, Norman, John, Gerald, William, and Mary Kathleen; his step-children, Linda Nelson, James Bills, and Rebecca Warnemuende; and his life-long best friend, Arthur Allen Bills.
He will be deeply missed by his wife of 23 years, Patricia Bills; his children, Michael (Adele), Kimberly (Stephen Plasko), Mark (Gail), and Kevin; his siblings, Mona, Naomi, and Paul (Marilyn); his step-children, Walter (Jan), and Thomas (Monique); his grandchildren, Aimee (Grant) Kinsey, Adam and Cyle, Allysha, Tyrell, Ryan, Erin, and Jacob; step-grandchildren, Brianna, Kendra, Jessica, Rachel, Angela, Natalie, Blake, Emry, Thomas, Jennifer, Kimberly, and Amanda; and great-granddaughter, Rachel.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 1, 2021, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Nie Family Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor. In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, only 25 guests can gather indoors at any given time. The funeral home staff will rotate guests as they arrive so they may express their condolences to the Harris family.
Funeral service is scheduled for Monday, March 1, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Nie Family Funeral Home. As only 25 guests are allowed- a live stream link will be available so friends and family may attend virtually. The link will be available on Monday at 2:50 pm here under webcasting under the Photos & Video Tab, or visit The Nie Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services Facebook page to watch the live stream.
Nie Funeral Home Visitor Guidelines:
If you feel sick, have cold or flu like symptoms and/or have a fever, please go back home
Cover Face and Wear a Mask when in the building
We can have up to 25 family members and friends in the visitation room at one time
Please avoid personal contact like shaking hands or hugging, please extend verbal salutations
Please cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, please dispose of the tissue immediately
Please wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds under running water
Please avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth