John H. Harris

John H. Harris was born on December 29, 1941 in New Albany, Mississippi. He was the second son of Mary Lou and Jesse Harris (both deceased). He lived in New Albany until 1960. After graduating from high school, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri.

John joined the U.S. Navy in November 1962. He served his country with honor for 20 years until his retirement as Petty Officer First Class in 1982. Following his naval career, he continued to contribute to the nation by working for M&T Company in Lakehurst NJ for 6 years, and at the Lakehurst Naval Air Warfare Center (now known as Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst) as a Logistics Management Specialist until his retirement in 2003. His dedication and commitment to his career were evident throughout his life.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gwendolyn L. Harris, who was his steadfast partner. Together, they built a loving family that includes his daughter Dwan Harris of New Jersey, daughter Paulette Harris-Gross (Lionel), of Maryland, son Courtney Harris of New Jersey, and son Brandt Harris of Texas. He is also survived by his sister Cecelia Spears and brother Fred Spears, both of Missouri. John was pre-deceased by his sisters: Dorothy, Janic Irene, and Mary, as well as his brothers: Jesse, Harry, Willie and Richard.

His legacy extends to his grandchildren: Alexis Baker of Virginia, De’Jah Gross of Ohio, Jada Richardson of New Jersey, Ciera Harris of Texas, Jalen Edler of Texas, Aurelia Mims of Texas, and Mary Mims of Texas. John was also blessed with a great-grandson, Kahari McCray of New Jersey.

John became a member of Wells Chapel AME Church (currently Remnant AME Church), South Toms River, New Jersey in 2002. In 2003, he was elected to the Trustee Board and he was later appointed president of the Wells Chapel Mass Choir. He was also the assistant superintendent of Wells Chapel’s Sunday School.

Through the years, Brother Harris willingly and faithfully performed many odd jobs around the church.

John’s personal interests included bowling, playing racquetball and attending Jersey Shore BlueClaws Minor League baseball games. John was very well known for being “Mr. Fix It.” He always had some kind of project going on around the house. He could fix anything with his tool of choice – duct tape! These activities brought him great joy and fulfillment.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Remnant AME Church, 26 Center St. South Toms River, NJ on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. His cremation will be private.

John H. Harris will be remembered for the love and dedication he showed to his family, his community and his country. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.