John Harris, age 85, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on June 29, 2026. John was born July 7, 1940, in Wynne, Arkansas and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Soldan High School and went on to attend and graduate from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. John was wed to Adele Harris on August 28, 1960, and they shared a loving marriage until her passing in November 2007. In his later years, John shared his life with Marian Hunter, who was a cherished partner.
He began his career in banking at Gateway National Bank and Boatmen's National Bank of St. Louis before transitioning into school district finance as Superintendent of Finance for the University City School District. In 1988, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he continued his career as Superintendent of Finance for both the Casa Grande Union High School District and the Roosevelt School District.
John was a 36-year member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. serving in a variety of leadership roles including those in the Phoenix Alumni Chapter. He also was a 20-year member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Inc., Gamma Mu Boule in Phoenix AZ where he served as Treasurer and The Pacific Region Boule also serving as Treasurer concurrently for 14 years. John was honored for his outstanding performance and attention to detail.
John was a member of Grand Community Baptist Church. He served as a Phoenix Sky Harbor Navigator volunteer for 15 years. He had a passion for golf, enjoyed traveling, coin collecting and football.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Adele Harris; his parents, Henry and Willie Mae Harris; and his siblings, Louise Henderson and Willie Harris.
He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Turner (Michael) and Angela Pitts (Milon); five grandchildren, Travis (Jasmin), Randall, Brianna (Derrick), Kaleb, and Kolbe; and two great-grandchildren, Nelilyana and Derrick Jr
Visitation will be held at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85202, on July 7, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85202, on July 7, 2026, at 11:00 am.
Burial will take place at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 1562 E Baseline Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85204, on July 7, 2026, at 12:30 pm, with final resting place at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 1562 E Baseline Rd, Mesa.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Gamma Mu Educational Services. Donations may be made by visiting https://www.gmesaz.org/.
