Jake Harris

9/17/1930 – 5/27/2018

Jake passed away peacefully on May 27, 2018 in Bakersfield, CA at the age of 87. He was the only child of Hazel and John R. Harris who preceded him in death. He was raised in Oklahoma, moving to California in 1943. In 1948 he met and married Carol Crowder and they spent the next 69 years together.

During his early years he ran heavy equipment and in 1962 founded Fast Crane Service. He specialized in moving oilfield drilling rigs throughout California and Nevada. Jake and Carol enjoyed their retirement years with many friends snow mobiling in the winter and jet skiing in the summer. During the last several years they spent the summers in Crescent City fishing and enjoying the cool weather. He was a member of Libertas Masonic Lodge, Operating Engineers Local 12 and started everyday early at either Zingo’s or the Knotty Pine Café.

Jake is survived by his wife, Carol Harris; daughter and son-in-law, Kathie and Mark Johnson; son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Vicki Harris. His 4 grandchildren and spouses are Michael Johnson (Janean), Leslie Martin (Adam), Casey Johnson (Amy), and Alyssa McPherson (David). His grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren were a great source of pride and joy; they always brightened his day. He also leaves behind a step sister, Beverly Canfield and brother, Ron Scott, sister-in-law Judie Fehr and husband Robert along with several nieces and nephews.

We all will miss his persistent sense-of-humor! A graveside service will be held at 9:30 on Monday, June 4th at Hillcrest Memorial Park. We would like to thank his compassionate care givers at Hoffman Hospice House and ask that in lieu of flowers to please consider a donation to Hoffman Hospice.