James Arthur Harrison

James A. “Jimmy” Harrison, 78, of Abilene passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Hendrick Medical Center following a brief illness. Funeral Services will be 10:00a.m., Friday, May 16, 2014 at Community Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 1443 N. 2nd St., Abilene, with Rev. Dave Harrison and Rev. Stephania Gilkey officiating. Burial will follow in the Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Community Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will be this evening, Thursday, May 15, 2014 from 6:00 to 7:30p.m. at the funeral home.

Jimmy was born on October 7, 1935 to Floyd A. and Mary B. Harrison at the home of his grandparents in Abilene. He was a lifelong resident of Abilene and graduated from Abilene High in 1965. He attended Hardin-Simmons University for two years and was a member of the ROTC.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where his parents and grandparents were charter members, and sang in the choir for many years. Jimmy married Naomi Johnson on August 16, 1956 at the original location of Grace Methodist Church at the corner of Wilson and Cedar Streets.

Jimmy worked in auto repair as a mechanic, beginning at the age of 16. He worked at Taylor Chevrolet and Max Fergus Motors. In 1960, Jimmy and his father Floyd opened Floyd Harrison Garage and in 1973, he took over sole ownership of the business until he retired on January 1, 2007. At one time, they were voted the top VW mechanics in Abilene on air-cooled Volkswagens. Jimmy also served as the groundskeeper of Grace United Methodist Church for nearly 30 years.

His favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He loved to work with his hands and could repair almost anything mechanical. He was also a member of the Abilene Gun Club and competed in competitive target shooting.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister-in-law, Anita Harrison.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Naomi Johnson Harrison of Abilene; two sons, David Harrison and wife, Barbara of Haskell and Daryl Harrison and wife, Christie of Abilene; two daughters, Debbie Dosser and husband, James of Merkel and D’Ann Stearns and husband, Jerry of Abilene; one foster daughter, Chris Mark and husband, Jimmy of Mansfield; one brother, Robert (Bob) Harrison of Abilene; fifteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers and granddaughters and granddaughters-in-law will be Honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church.