Jack Edwin Harris

Jack Edwin Harris, 90, of Williamsburg, entered his eternal rest, surrounded by his loving children, in the early hours of February 11th. He cherished every moment with friends and family, especially those moments spent over a shared meal. A devoted and hardworking Christian, he will be remembered as loving, wise, and organized.

Jack was born in Milwaukee, WI on June 6, 1934. A 1952 graduate of Wauwatosa High School, he lettered in football and was awarded a NROTC scholarship to Marquette University. While at Marquette University, he was inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma National Physics Honor Society and a received a commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy. He graduated in 1956 with a degree in Physics.

Jack served as an active-duty Naval Officer for five years. For three years Jack was assigned to the USS Bausell, a Destroyer home ported in San Diego, CA. The remaining two were spent at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. He continued at Langley Research Center as a civilian employee until his retirement from federal service in 1994.

At Langley, Jack was involved with several major space flight projects, namely Lunar Orbiter in the 1960’s and the 1970’s Viking mission to Mars. He was awarded NASA's Outstanding Leadership Medal for his contributions to Viking.

Jack was a lifelong Lutheran. During his college days, he was a member of the young adult group of Faith Lutheran Church, where he met and married the love of his life, Dianne. And for nearly fifty years as a resident of Williamsburg, Jack was an active member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School classes, and serving in various leadership roles until he significantly slowed down.

Jack would list his life’s greatest joy as raising his family with Dianne. He also enjoyed preparing meals for family, friends, and persons experiencing homelessness. He loved music, attending concerts of all styles, and singing in church choirs, the Brookdale/ Chambrel Chorus, and in his home. A special moment in his life was when he was chosen to play the violin in the Milwaukee Junior City Orchestra. Jack also enjoyed woodworking. During his more than sixty years of perfecting this hobby, he built furniture for his church, his home, his children’s homes, and special projects for and with his grandchildren. He kept an organized workshop, knowing just where to find the right tool for the job. He and Dianne worked together to create a beautiful yard and gardens. Their home was always open to friends, family, and anyone who needed comfort. They loved making and keeping connections with so many unique souls from around the world.

Mr. Harris was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 65 years, Dianne Edna Harris.

He is survived by his four children: Ronald Harris (Shirley), Judith Cossitt (Dwight), Nancy Lohr (Randall), and Emily Griffin (Greg). His memory also lives on in the hearts of his seven grandchildren: Stephanie Mounaud (Laurent), Tom Harris (Megan), Jessica Loiselle (Marc), Graham Lohr (Katie), Natalie Blair (Chris), and Joshua (15) & Rosemary (13) Griffin, and in his six great-grandchildren; Remy (14) and Henry (11) Mounaud, Lucy (9), Jane (8) and Jack (6) Harris, and Ellie (2m) Loiselle. His life is remembered and celebrated by his many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Memorial Funeral Service will be held on September 13, 2025 at 2:30pm at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 612 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg.

Jack’s children extend their sincerest appreciation to the staff and residents of Brookdale of Williamsburg. Thank you for accepting Jack as part of your community for the last years of his life. The family is most grateful for his home health team who cared for him daily. Memorial gifts in his memory may be given to St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, VA. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.