He was born July 28, 1956 in Vincennes, Indiana to Ray and Joyce (Hinton) Harness. They survive.
Also surviving are one son, J.R. Harness, II; one sister, Julia (David) Messersmith; one niece, Natalie Messersmith, all of Tremont and one nephew, Zach Messersmith of New Berlin.
Jeff worked construction and as an insurance agent.
Jeff was a member of Tremont United Methodist Church and Allendale Lodge 752, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. Jeff enjoyed the outdoors and hunting.
His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Tremont United Methodist Church, where a visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tremont United Methodist Church, 112 West Pearl Street, Tremont, IL 61568.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
