Jerry "J.F." Harris' Obituary
Jerry F. “J.F.” Harris, age 75, met his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at home. He was born on June 11, 1946 to Leroy and Mattie (Jackson) Harris in Monroe, LA. After graduating from Little Flower Academy, he continued his education at Southern University in Louisiana. There he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. In 1968, he made his way to Muskegon, MI and has called it home ever since. J.F. was a dedicated educator at Muskegon Heights high school, where he taught English for 40 years. He retired from teaching in 2009 but continued his time there working as an associate Athletic Director. He received several honors and acknowledgments over the years. The ones that meant the most to him were the ones he received for his work with the high school sports teams. In 2016, he was selected as the Distinguished service award winner by Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame. Recently, the Muskegon Heights Academy ticket booth was named in his honor. J.F. loved spending time with his students both in the classroom and on the court. He was known to be at every and any sporting event cheering for his Tigers! J.F. had a true passion for not only serving his students but also serving his community. He was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading a good novel or watching a movie. Above all things, he truly loved spending time with his family and many friends in the community. He had a special place in his heart for the many students he taught over the years and the friendships that were made. His devotion to the community and many acts of kindness will genuinely be missed by many. His fun-loving and outgoing spirit will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving daughter, Yolanda (Roger) Moore; grandson, Justin Moore; 3 sisters, Patsy Harris, Jane Jackson and Joyce Ann Ruff; brother, Fredrick Harris; many cousins, nieces, nephews; and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 E. Summit Ave., Muskegon Heights, MI 49444 with a visitation one-hour prior. A Visitation with the family will be held from 4-8:00 PM on Friday, June 10, 2022 at Muskegon Heights high school, 2441 Sanford St., Muskegon Heights, MI 49444. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?