Noah "Art" Arthur Harris Jr.

Art was born on March 12, 1936 in Peoria, IL to Noah Harris Sr. and Edna (Elmore) Breeding. Surviving are his two sons, Tim Harris of Fort Myers, FL and Dan Harris of Peoria, IL; one brother, Gene (Chris) Harris of San Diego, CA; his grandchildren, Jessica Bridges, Lindsey (Kendrick) Faulkner, Samantha Harris, Nicholas Harris, Alex Bridges, and Benjamin Harris, along with 5 great-grandchildren; one son-in-law, James Bartley; and one nephew, Paul Harris. Also surviving is the mother of his children and life-long companion, Lucy Harris.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Jennifer "Jenny" Bartley and one niece, Julie Harris.

Art attended Whittier Grade School and graduated from Peoria Central High School in 1955. He went on to attend Illinois Central College, where he earned his Real Estate Certificate and also earned an GRI Designation. He was a real estate broker for 20 years. Art was also a journeyman who began plastering at age 21. He served in the National Guard Reserve. In March of 1963, he began working in sales at Insulation Dealers, later becoming their sales manager and working at IDSCO for 45 years until he retired in 2008.

Art was an accomplished runner, to say the least. His best time for running the mile in high school was 4 minutes and 45 seconds. He went to state for Cross Country. As an adult, he ran over 60 marathons all over the United States. He qualified and ran the Boston Marathon 7 times, with his best time being 3 hours and 10 minutes. From age 50, he logged running over 26,000 miles. Aside from running, he also loved watching and playing golf. He played in local tournaments and he had 6 Hole in Ones. Art loved his cabin on Hunter Lake in Minnesota and it will always be known as "Art's Cabin at the Lake". His presence will always be felt and missed by those who loved him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 9am-11am at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Cal Rychener officiating. Burial will take place in Parkview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Runs in Art's name.

Art's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to OSF Home Hospice, who took excellent care of Art at the end of his life.