James P. Harris

passed on April 19, 2026, at the age of 87, and was a resident of Clarence, New York. James was the husband of Mary Ann Harris; loving father of Susan (Stephan) Harris – Gamard and Natalie (Donald) Schmidt; dear grandfather of six and great grandfather of 12; brother of Marianne Dallmann of Colorado.

Baseball was Jim’s lifelong passion, from playing as a young man to coaching teams and his son as an adult. And he especially loved the New York Yankees. Jim attended Maryvale Senior High School, graduating in 1956. He then attended Cortland State University for Physical Education, graduating in 1961, and subsequently worked as a Phys Ed teacher, until off to the Army, stationed in Georgia. Jim then received his Masters in Biology to become a 7th Grade Science teacher at City of Tonawanda Junior High for 30 years. He also spent his summers working as a New York State Park policeman. Jim loved his dogs, especially his dog Cooper, who has survived him. He was also an avid golf player and hunter. Jim recently moved back to Clarence, NY, after living in Sarasota, Florida for almost 25 years. He loved his home in Clarence and the surrounding countryside and meandering drives. Jim was a 12 year survivor of stage 4 oral and throat cancer.

The family will be present on Friday May 1st from 4 – 8PM at the BEACH TUYN FUNERAL HOME 1671 Maple Road, Williamsville NY. A morning gathering will be held at the funeral home on May 2nd from 9 – 10AM with a celebration service at 10AM. Military Honors and Committal to immediately follow at Acacia Park Cemetery, 4215 Tonawanda Creek Rd, North Tonawanda NY. Please consider a donation in James’s memory to the American Cancer Society. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beachtuynfh.com