James F. "Jim" Harris (Plainview)

James F. Harris passed away on March 20, 2016 in Plainview, Texas with his loving family by his side. He was born on March 16, 1925 in Marshall, Texas to Bernard T. & Gussie Moore Harris. Due to his mother's death, as a toddler his loving Uncle & Aunt, Earl B. & Georgia Harris Sealey took him in to their home and raised him as their own son. He always considered himself blessed to be reared in a loving, Christian home. His memories of life with them were never forgotten. Jim graduated from Marshall High School in January 1943 during World War II. He joined the U.S. Navy on February 6, 1943 a few weeks short of his 18th birthday. He served on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific over 3 years. He remained a proud, patriotic man his entire life with a deep love for God, Family, and Country. After Jim's honorable discharge from the Navy in August of 1946, he attended the College of Marshall, known today as East Texas Baptist University. He married Bebe (Reba N.) Munden on December 24, 1947 in Marshall. They lived in Galveston and Fort Worth for 3 1/2 years where he was employed by the Corp of Engineers. They made the decision to move back to Marshall in February of 1951. He became an employee of Skelly Oil Company in nearby Carthage, Texas. Skelly later became Getty Oil Co. and then Texaco when he retired in November 1985 after 34 years. One of his many joys was raising cattle, which he did following in his family's footsteps and for most of his life. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in the Gill Community of Marshall. He was ordained a deacon in 1956 where he served God faithfully. Soon after he joined First Baptist Church of Marshall where he was active in Sunday School as well. Jim & Bebe moved to Plainview in October 2000 so they could enjoy being closer to their children and grandchildren. He was a member of First Baptist Church Plainview and the Pastor's Sunday School Class, which were very special to him. He is survived by his loving wife Bebe Harris, 2 daughters, Julie Harris Owen & husband Rudd, Jan Harris Owen & husband Ross of Plainview; 4 granddaughters, Meredith Owen Riddle & husband Trent of Ransom Canyon, Lauren Owen Collier & husband Clay of Lubbock, Jordan Owen Gower & husband Jonathan of Richardson, Sealey Owen DeSoto & husband Ross of Kailua, Hawaii; 8 great grandchildren, Brennon, Lincoln, Hogan, and Sutton Riddle, Ethan & Tristan Collier, Will & Landon Gower, several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were a daughter, Vicky, who died at birth, his parents, his special Aunt & Uncle, 4 sisters, and a brother. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Chapel on Thursday, March 24th at 2:00 pm, with Dr. Tim Marrow officiating. A private graveside service will be held earlier in the day under the direction of Kornerstone Funeral Directors. The Harris/Owen families would like to extend a warm, heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Sergio Lara, Amber Handy, the entire staff of Plainview Covenant Hospital and Area Community Hospice for their tender, loving care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church Plainview or the Wounded Warrior Project.