Jim Harris

There was never anyone more enjoyable to talk to about nothing than Jim Harris. He could tell a story about the most pedestrian thing and hold his listener in amused thrall. On September 14, 2024 he left behind a heck of a lot of jokes for us to go through and retell in remembrance of all that made him wonderfully Jim.

Jim’s entry into this world began barreling down two grooves in the highway towards Fort Carson Army Hospital in Colorado, full snowstorm underway. It was February 21, 1962. He was a precocious young boy. His mom, Bobbie Jo, recalls his childhood in remembering two things Jim always had on him - a quilt for his naps and his mouth. He never stopped talking.

Jim’s formative years were spent launching 2 liter bottles of Dr Pepper in the air like a rocket, a stint at a lumber yard, and driving a milk truck to Bluebell - initiating a lifelong appetite for ice cream.

Jim attended Robert E. Lee High School, Tyler Junior College, and later graduated with a construction degree from TSTI where he overindulged in crockpot beans and episodes of The Young and the Restless.

Jim was a lover of nature, especially hunting. As a teenager, he shot a doe and nailed her hide to the roof of the family home to tan. So joined two lifelong loves - hunting and roofing. Some of Jim’s happiest times were spent at the Victoria Ranch. He could be found with a rifle in one hand and a story in the other.
Jim was extraordinarily proud of the work he accomplished in his life. He put the roof on Reliant and Minute Maid stadiums. He was recognized in multiple publications as a Master Contractor in his industry. His beautiful wife, Terri, said he would ask her to grab roofing contracts in the bedside table in his sleep. He was a force of nature to work with and to know.

Though resoundingly successful, Jim understood happiness did not come monetarily - true wealth lay in the adventure. Terri and Jim had a love that was unbridled. They would often joke that he was the male version of her and vice versa. Their adventures led them around the world -from a honeymoon dove hunting in Argentina, to Ireland, Italy, and Alaska. They strolled beaches in Cabo in swimwear and down Main Street in Chappell Hill dressed as Coneheads. They about disappeared in a construction pier hole in South Padre and were nearly hurdled off the back of a burro in the Rio Grande.

Jim loved the heck out of his kids and grandkids. He was the ultimate dad and Buckee. He loved doing all the fun dad stuff - teaching them to drive, hunt, eat steak, and camp at the ranch. He was the dad that took all the extra friends along and said - “let’s go, chickens!” He was the festive Halloween dad. He gave big, full hugs, doled out ice cream, and giggled. He was boastfully proud of their every accomplishment and cherished being a grandpa.

Jim loved Fig Newtons, the Cowboys, and hollering for Terri to make him a sandwich. He loved tacos, wearing bassflops on the river, and had the quickest comebacks to other people’s jokes. He loved cooking crawfish, but he wouldn’t eat them.

Not to be omitted, Jim loved his dogs and golf. Friends say he didn’t know his driver could hit more than a 100 yard stroke. He was once tangled up in the weeds on a Bahama golf course in search of his ball only to find he had sunk it in the hole on a blind par 4. It could take him 12 hours to play 9 holes. “Play on through,” he yelled. He never kept score.

Jim fully accepted the need for an accidental discharge kit and a high dollar briefcase. He was once awakened while sleeping in his car. It was rocking so vigorously he thought there was an earthquake, but he was in Houston and somebody was just stealing his wheels.

A line could form behind him at a cash register because he was busy talking and making a new friend. He was deeply thoughtful. One day he was having breakfast at a diner when a little girl selling Girl Scout cookies explained she had about 9 boxes left. Jim took out his wallet and bought all that she had. He loved making everyone happy.

Jim never waited to travel, to live, or to say I love you. He was here for the glorious adventure of it all and we loved him for it. He may not be memorialized in books and his name may never be inscribed on a building, but it will be forever etched into the hearts of those who were privileged enough to know him and to love him.

A life so joyfully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Please join us in Brenham on Wednesday, September 18th for a full lunch and remembrance. Please come (casual attire) to Ant Street Inn at 107 W. Commerce St with service beginning promptly at 12 noon and celebration to follow.

Jimmie Charles Harris Jr is survived by his wife Terri Harris; mother Bobbie Jo Harris; brother Steven Harris; his son Taylor and wife Ashlyn - granddaughter Camille; Daughter Madison and husband Will Eastin; Jason and Gina Brecht, granddaughters Olivia and Emily; Joe and Alex Brecht and grandchildren Jayce, Jayde, Sophia and Scarlett. Jim is preceded in death by Jimmie Charles Harris Sr; grandparents Robert Earl and Mary M Ellington; and Charles and Eutelle Harris

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share condolences at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.