James F. "Jim" Harry

Jim was born in Quincy, IL, December 30, 1939. His youth was spent on a farm in Baylis, IL. He graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1958, then graduated from Illinois College in 1963. An avid athlete, Jim participated in football, basketball, and track in high school, and he played football in college. He was also involved in debate and drama. Jim served in the United States Army Reserves, being honorably discharged December 1964.

Jim began work at station WBBA in Pittsfield while still in high school and later worked at radio stations in Jacksonville and Springfield. In 1965, he became Administrative Assistant to the Springfield City Commissioner of Streets. Jim then became the News Director of station WMAY in Springfield in 1966 and in 1967 became a political reporter for WBBM in Chicago. During this time, he covered multiple levels of politics including the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago and the 1972 Republican Convention in Miami Beach.

Jim moved from covering politics to working in state government for Governor Richard B. Ogilvie. Jim later became the Press Secretary to the President of the Illinois Senate, Sen. James "Pate" Philip. In 1993, Jim was elected by the Republican caucus and served as either the Assistant Secretary or Secretary of the Illinois State Senate. He retired in 2004. He served as President of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries, 1999-2000. Jim was a member of Historic Grace Lutheran Church, ELCA, and an active and proud member of the YMCA for many years. He was one of the Y's first racquetball players.

Jim was loved and will be missed by his family. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Leora (Thompson Lash) Harry. He is also survived by his son, Scott (wife Nancy) Harry, of Springfield, his two daughters, Michelle (husband Garrett) Campbell of Alexandria, VA and Amy (husband Mark) Lash Esau of Mulvane, KS. Jim was blessed with seven grandchildren: Michael, Whitney and Luke Harry; Graydon and Graham Campbell; Austin and Marisa Esau. The eldest of three, Jim is survived by two brothers: Jack (wife Nancy) Harry of MO; and Steve (wife Linda) Harry of AZ. In addition, Jim leaves behind several nieces and a nephew. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Cook Hollembeak and step-father Hal Hollembeak.

Cremation rites will be accorded prior to services by the Bisch Crematory.

Memorial Gathering and Service: The Harry family will greet family and friends from 4-6 pm Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, IL, followed by a memorial service at 6:15 pm. Rev. Thomas B. Christell Jr, Pastor of Historic Grace Lutheran Church will officiate. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the YMCA in Springfield, IL.In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the YMCA in Springfield, IL.