James Harris

LtC. James L. Harris, USAFR, NC (Ret.), 65, of Gurnee passed away on Monday, August 15, 2011 at home with his family by his side. He was born on November 13, 1945 in Carrier Mills, IL. On May 15, 1976 in Waukegan, James married Jo Ann Smith.

He is survived by his children, Barbara (Bernard) Joyce, Jennifer (Daniel) Cavenaugh, Karen (Kamille) Kalas, Steven (Julie) Smith, Jeffery Harris and Andrea Harris; grandchildren, Jeremy, Joshua, Jackson, Samantha, Salem, Hannah and Shelby; brothers, Don Harris and Jerry Harris; sister, Geneva Harris; and loving companion, Marian Jaymes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewell and Nettie (Evans) Harris, Jr. and beloved wife of 31 years, Jo Ann Harris.

James served in the active and reserve military for more than 30 years. He served two tours as a Vietnam Combat Medic in the US Army. He also served in the US Air Force as an Air Force Nurse Officer and Troop Commander during Desert Storm. He is remembered for mentoring many young officers in their professional development. He worked and retired as a Register Nurse after many years of service from the VA Hospital in North Chicago.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 19, 2011 from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm at WARREN FUNERAL HOME, 1475 N. Cemetery Rd., Gurnee. Inurnment will take place on Monday, August 22, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Warren Cemetery, Chapel of Peace Mausoleum with the Scott Air Force Base Military Honor Guard.