James Lloyd Harris Jr.

James Lloyd Harris Jr. of Huntsville, AL went home to be with the good Lord July 1 at the age of 71 after fighting melanoma for two years. Also known as Jim, Jimmy, or Slick, he was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ for over the last half-century. He was preceded in glory by his parents–James Lloyd Sr. & Ramona Estelle, grandparents–Edward & Vestie Harris and Roy & Orene Patrick, father-in-law–Marion Clark Terry, and grandson–Nicholas Andrew Jr. He is survived by his son–Nicholas Andrew Sr., daughter-in-law–Dr. Kayla Leanne, grandsons–Theodore James, Jedidiah Wesley, and Abraham Lloyd, both sisters–Barbara Jean Watson and Cynthia Ann Gallman, brother-in-law–Scott Anthony Gallman, former wife–Sharon Kay, mother-in-law–Helen Louise Terry, uncles–Charles Harris, Steve Lawhorn, and Howard Bennett, aunt–Janie Bennett, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Jim was born again in his late teens and baptized in 1974. He, his parents, and in-laws were long-time members of Grace Baptist Church, with Jim serving as a Bible-study leader. He started his career at 16 working as an electrician with his to-be father-in-law, eventually being promoted up to co-owner of Terry-Harris Electric as an electrical contractor. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and worked for Adtran for twenty-eight years. Jim truly loved knowledge and the truth, excitedly sharing anecdotes, explanations, and wisdom. He was convicted of the power of prayer and lived faithfully to that conviction.

Jim was a lifelong fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers, particularly their football and women’s basketball teams. He enjoyed many sports and games, notably football, badminton, racquetball, Risk, and strategy and role-playing video games and was very good at practically everything he tried to do. Jim was emphatic about experiencing the glory of God in creation and was an avid boater, fisher, and skier. He delighted in delicious foods, with ice cream and seafood among those he liked best. Jim lost his olfactory sense during a dire illness in his early thirties, and has since been eagerly awaiting its restoration to once again more fully enjoy foods in his resurrected, glorified body. He loved sharing stories and watching movies with popcorn, particularly action and spy films. Jim inherited and passed on a corny sense of humor and a passion for sharing it. He listened to evangelist J. Vernon McGee daily and supported his international ministry. Jim is well respected among those who know him well for his joy–even in the midst of sorrow and challenge–devotion, wisdom, self-discipline, patience, and generosity, particularly giving his time in selflessly serving and caring for others. He is an incredible father, relative, and friend whose life blessed many and glorified his beloved Lord.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8 at 11:00 am followed immediately by the funeral at 1:00 pm at Valhalla Funeral Home located at 698 Winchester Rd NE, Huntsville, AL 35811.