Jim Bob Harris

Jim Bob Harris, 81, passed away Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, in Houston. He fought a courageous battle with prostate cancer for many years. The family will receive visitors 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 22, 2011 at The Chapel of Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home with graveside service to follow.

Jim was born Feb. 21, 1930, and grew up in Waco. He graduated from Baylor University and began his career as a petroleum geologist with Sinclair Oil and Gas. He was also employed with McCormick Oil and Gas and Sanchez O'Brien. After 30 years in the oil and gas industry, Jim bought Uncle Joe's bar which he ran successfully for many years as well as managing his rental properties.

Jim was an avid reader and loved listening to music, especially country western, with his friends on the patio. One of his favorite pastimes was playing pinochle with his brothers in Waco. He loved his family and friends very much and will always be remembered for his generous heart and kind spirit as well as a positive attitude toward life.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Clarence Harris; mother, Julia Massey Harris; and brother, Malcolm Harris.

He is survived by the mother of his children, Linda Harris; daughter, Janet Heher and husband, Tim, of Austin; son, Greg Harris and wife, Terri; grandsons, Chris Heher of Los Angeles, Calif., and John Heher of Vail, Colo.; and granddaughters, Summer Harris and Autumn Harris. He is also survived by brothers, Melvin Harris and wife, Ann, Newton Harris and wife, Marian, and Jack Harris and wife, Joan; sisters, Betty Hughes and husband, Truman, Anita Mazanec and husband, Edward, and Frances Spears and husband, JT; and sister-in-law, Billie Harris.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ana Leech and the nurses at Memorial Hermann Hospice for their loving care of Jim during his last days.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Memorial Hermann Hospice, 16538 Air Center Blvd, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77032.