James K. Harris Sr.

October 27, 1948 - May 8, 2022

James Kenneth Harris was born in Muskegon, Michigan on October 27, 1948 to Mattie Louise Fleming and Andrew James Harris. He attended Reeths-Puffer Schools until his family moved to Los Angeles, California when he was a teenager. Around age 13 he attended Venice High School, and resided on the west coast with relatives until moving back to Michigan and graduating from Muskegon High School in 1966. Curious, charismatic, intelligent, and charming, James spent a number of years after high-school finding himself, exploring the world, and coming of age in the turbulent late 60’s and 70’s. Devoted and loyal to his family and country, he joined the United States Army in 1977 and was honorably discharged a few years later. He immediately went into a career as a corrections officer for Michigan state, and eventually went on to become a counselor, and work at rehabilitating the most marginalized members of his community. During a trip to California in the 1990’s he was baptized at Greater Morning Star Baptist Church in Santa Monica, at which time he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. James earned an Associate's degree from Muskegon Community College, and his Bachelors and Masters degrees in social work from Grand Valley State University. He was a volunteer for the Red Cross, and went to New Orleans to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. He was a long time member of Bethany Church in Muskegon, Michigan. He is survived by his six children, loving daughters Rashida Whimper, Augusta, Georgia; Tamala Williams, Atlanta, Georgia; Ayette Jordan, Rochester, New York; Jasmine Muhammad, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Tiffany Harris, Las Vegas, Nevada; and son James Harris, Jr., Grand Rapids, Michigan. As well as five grandchildren, six greatgrandchildren, and brothers Rufus Harris, Sr. and Paul Burbridge, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his loving mother Mattie L. Burns, siblings Ernest Upchuch, Joyce Burbridge, Frederick Bey, and grandson Remi Williams. "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain..". -1 Corinthians 15:10 I see these things, still am I slave? When banners flaunt and bugles blow, content to fill a soldier's grave. For reasons I shall never know. Excerpt from "Solider" by Brigadier General C. T. Lanham.