Pastor Donald J. Harris

Pastor Donald J. Harris, 88, of Jacksonville, Florida, formerly of Wyckoff, New Jersey, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 10, 2026. A faithful servant of Christ, he lived a life marked by deep faith, joyful purpose, and unwavering devotion to God and his family.

Born on March 3, 1937, in Teaneck, New Jersey, Pastor Don was shaped early by the values of faith, discipline, and service. These foundations guided every season of his life — from education and athletics to ministry and family. He walked by faith, trusting God fully and encouraging others to do the same.

Pastor Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth (née Monsen). Together they were blessed with five children: Daniel (Rebecca) of Jacksonville, Florida; Sharon (who is in heaven); Susan Heck (who is in heaven); David of Hermitage, Tennessee; and Jonathan of Jacksonville, Florida. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Lexi Gryboski (Noah), Caleb Heck (Gianna), Joshua Heck (Abby), Nathaniel Harris (Kaitlyn), Grace Heck, Elizabeth Harris, Anna Heck, Sara Heck; and one greatgrandchild, Micah Heck.

He is further survived by Chris Heck (Priscila), Susan’s husband at the time of her passing; his brother, Robert Harris of Elberta, Alabama; his brother-in-law, John Monsen (Phyllis) of Burnsville, Minnesota; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Evelyn (née Ruschelau) Harris; his sister, Jean (Bill) Lyon; and his sister-in-law, Lois Cross.

He pursued his education at Rutgers University, where his gifts as both a scholar and an athlete were evident. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1959, Master of Arts in Economics in 1961, and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Starting in 1955, he earned 11 varsity letters, four each in baseball and golf (teams he co-captained) and three in basketball. Golf remained a lifelong passion. In 2000, he was inducted into the Rutgers

University Athletic Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing not only his athletic excellence but also the character and discipline he carried beyond the field. To date, he is one of Rutgers’ most versatile athletes. Pastor Don was honored with the Outstanding Senior Athlete award, the Bronze Key for extra-curricular activities and he also continued to make the Dean’s list.

Pastor Don honorably served his country in the United States Army from November 1961 to November 1963, stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. His military service strengthened his leadership, resilience, and commitment to serving others with humility and integrity.

Pastor Don answered God’s call to ministry at the age of 27. He left his accounting career in New York City to pursue his God-given purpose, first attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois and later graduating from Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana with a Master of Divinity degree. While at Moody Bible Institute, he met the love of his life, Ruth, at a church in Chicago. After one year, Pastor Don married Ruth on August 17, 1968. After

marriage, he went on to pastor a small country church in South Whitley, Indiana.

Pastor Don devoted many years to pastoral ministry, faithfully serving congregations with compassion, wisdom, and a shepherd’s heart. His preaching and pastoral care reflected a life grounded in Scripture and guided by prayer. He believed faith was meant to be lived out daily — in relationships, decisions, and service. After Indiana, he went on to pastor at Hawthorne Gospel Church in Hawthorne, New Jersey; and Grace Bible Church in North Haledon, New Jersey. During his years at HGC, he was also a teacher at the Monday Evening Bible School, investing deeply in the spiritual growth of others. Pastor Don even led summer mission teams on trips to Venezuela, where Vacation Bible School programs were conducted along with additional outreach ministries serving local communities.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Pastor Don made a lasting impact in Christian education. He served as Principal for several years at Hawthorne Christian Academy, influencing students

through leadership rooted in faith, integrity, and excellence.

In 2020, Pastor Don retired to Jacksonville, Florida, after serving as Senior Pastor at Grace Bible Church for 30 years. Even in retirement, his commitment to ministry never ceased. He became a

beloved member of Neptune Baptist Church in Neptune Beach, Florida. There he led a Life Group, taught a Wednesday evening adult class, filled the pulpit when needed on Sunday mornings, and faithfully served on the prayer team at Food Share on the last Saturday of each month, ministering to those in need.

Just shy of his 89th birthday, Pastor Don continued to embrace life with joy and enthusiasm. He enjoyed rounds of golf, traveling to visit family and friends, and cherishing special dates with his

beloved “Ruthie.” Their 57 years of marriage were a beautiful testimony of companionship, laughter, and shared faith.

Those who knew Pastor Don will remember his gentle spirit, steady faith, and joyful presence. His life reflected his favorite truth — that walking with God is not merely a belief, but a daily way of living. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” you will be missed dearly.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Pastor Donald J Harris to Neptune Baptist Church-Student Ministry or to The Gideons International.

Visitation with the family will be from 4:00pm-7:00pm on Feb. 17, 2026 at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

Funeral Services will be held on Feb. 18, 2026, at 10:30am in Neptune Baptist Church, 407 3rd Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266;

followed by a reception at the church. Committal services with Honors will be at 2:00pm in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Lane # 1.