James Elton Harris

James was often referred to as “Big Jim” by his friends. He was born in Camp County, TX, on Jan. 17, 1936. He was raised on a country farm in North East Texas. The saying, “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy,” is very true. His love for the country life was evident through his love for horses and cattle. He was a true cowboy!

James was proud to have served his country, retiring from the United States Naval Air Corps. He went on to work out of Carpenters Local 1334, then retiring from Carpenters Local 551 of Houston.

James married his loving wife Joyce Purvis of Baytown on June 23, 1972. They had 39 wonderful years of marriage

He was preceded in death by his parents, C.O. and Gladys Harris of Pittsburg, TX; brothers, Garvis Harris and W.A. Harris of Pittsburg, TX, formerly of Baytown, and sister, Avis Mooney of Pittsburg, TX.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Joyce Purvis Harris of Old River/Winfree, TX; son, Mike Harris and wife Kandi of Old River, TX; daughters, Rebecca Bowen and husband Kenny of Graceville, FL, and Lisa Sharp and husband Gary of Bryan, TX; grandchildren, Sandy Barrett of Graceville, FL, Mandy Tadlock and husband Craig of Graceville, FL, Alan Weaver of Palm Bay, FL, Jamie Harris of Kingwood, TX, Jimmy Harris and wife Mindy of Baytown and James and Joshua Sharp of Bryan, TX; great grandchildren, Chloe and Walker Weaver of Littleton, NH and Tyler Tadlock of Graceville, FL; sisters, Edith Pilgrim and husband Hubert and Nina Strickland and husband Earl all of Pittsburg, TX.

He is also survived by his nieces and nephews who he loved as his own: Denice Brown and husband Bill of Waxahachie, TX, Dianne McCarty of Austin, Cheri Kaderli of Houston, and “Bubba” Forrest Kaderli of Liberty; great niece, Taylor Kaderli; great nephews, Tucker Kaderli of Liberty and Johnathon Dean Alvear of Houston, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.

Arrangements under the direction of Earthman Baytown Funeral Home, Baytown, TX.