Mesa, AZ, former Paulding resident John H. Harris, 78, passed away at 5:04 a.m. Wednesday April 20, in Mesa Arizona.
He was born July 17, 1932 in Paulding, Ohio, the son of Emma Vinegar and James William Harris, both preceding him in death.
He married Betty Harris in the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Paulding Ohio in 1965, who preceded him in death.
John was devoted to his country, family and community; John served in the United States Armed Forces; he was stationed in France for two consecutive tours of duty during the Korean War from 1952 to 1963 during his service he also became a decorated boxer for the Army. Following his military service he became a Deputy Sheriff in the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department where he served for 14 years and earned the moniker “Big John”; he later worked for General Motors in the Defiance, OH foundry as a security guard; he retired from General Motors a foreman after 30 years of service. John supported the local community as an active member of the Paulding County School Board for numerous years.
John will be deeply missed by his two sons John "Jack" Harris Jr. of Columbus OH and Michael Harris of Elmira NY; a daughter, Shannon (Harris) Branham of Mesa AZ;
Grandchildren; Nicholas, John (Alex), Morgan, Jackie, Marlena, Adelle and Marlon (Zeke); sister, Helena Dorsey of Westchester, OH and two in-laws, Walter Wells of Paradise Valley AZ, Brenda (Wells) Vappie of Mesa AZ and many dearly loved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his sister Jacqueline Hunter and brother Guy Vinegar.
Services will be held at Mariposa Gardens
6747 E. Broadway Mesa AZ 85206 on May 2nd 2011 at 5:30 p.m..
Online Condolences may be sent by going to www.mariposagardens.com
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