James Lee Harris

            James Lee Harris, 87, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Addington Place in Fairfield.

            Memorial services celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. A luncheon and time for gathering will follow at the Walton Club. Everyone is welcome. Burial will be at Garrett Cemetery in Delta, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Lord’s Cupboard in Fairfield. 

            Jim was born September 18, 1936 in Oxford, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Irene (McKay) Harris. He married Beverly Ann Rockwell, February 11, 1956 in What Cheer, Iowa. She preceded him in death, April 20, 2014.

            Jim was a trained telegrapher. He worked for the Rock Island Railroad, Dexter, and in 1976 opened Allen Travel Agency in Washington and operated the business for 25 years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Jim enjoyed playing cards and traveling by train. Jim had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. 

            Those left to honor his memory include his children, Jeffrey L. (Mary) Harris of Marshalltown, Iowa, Kirk Harris of Fairfield, and LeAnne (John) Payne of Fairfield; five grandchildren, JoAnne Harris, Benjamin (Shaena Powell) Harris, Jilianne (Sol) Richey, Jackson (Rusty Tackenberg) Harris and Cody (Justine) Moran; step-granddaughters, Valerie and Veronica Payne; great-grandchildren, Jacey Harris, Grady Harris, Navie Moran, Cutler Moran, and baby Richey due September.

            In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Joann.