14 MAY 2020, Memorial notes/at or near time of transfer. Added gender. Note that his name is seen two ways, monument and comment gives W. J. or J. W.; but obit gives James W. Harris. 1) the original bio section from creator of the memorial is below divider.
02 SEP 2022 SAC to add parental links.~Rev. W. J. was husband of Katie Oct 10, 1869-Feb 19, 1932∼HARRIS, James W. - Rev. James W. Harris, a former resident of Gravette and pastor of the Methodist church, died Monday, July 2, 1923 at an advanced age. He had been in ill health for some years and but recently he and Mrs. Harris had moved from Bentonville to the flat-woods north of Beaty where Mrs. Harris' brother, Mr. Shirley, resides. Rev. Harris was a brother of N.F. Harris of Beaty and an uncle of Luther Price of Gravette and leaves a host of relatives and friends in the county. The funeral was held today {Thursday} conducted by Rev. H.C. Hoy of Bentonville and burial was at Lee Cemetery north of Beaty. [Gravette News-Herald - Gravette, Benton County, Arkansas - July 6, 1923]

Rev. J. W. Harris was born at Pea Ridge October 3, 1852 and died July 2, 1923 at Sulphur Springs at the home of his sister-in-law, Miss Shirley. Brother Harris has been in ill health for about eleven years. He was serving the Huntsville Circuit as pastor of the M.E. Church, South when he was suddenly stricken with paralysis from which he never recovered. During this period he was scarcely able to talk and hardly able to walk. He was very tenderly cared for by his family, especially his good wife. Brother Harris was married to Miss Iva Foster September 5, 1874. To this union were born five boys and two girls of whom three are living, namely Jim Harris of Bentonville; Mrs. M.H. Wright of Bentonville and Mrs. F.P. Tate of Illinois. His first companion was called to her reward and after several years he was united in marriage to Miss Kate Shirley February 12, 1901 who survives him. Bro. Harris became a Christian when twenty-one years of age. He united with the M. E. Church, South and was licensed as a local preacher and in due time ordained as a local elder, took regular work as a supply in the North Arkansas Conference which work he did for about nineteen years when he became afflicted and was no longer able to take work. Rev. Harris was a consecrated man and did efficient work as a Christian minister. He loved his church, family and friends. He was a good man indeed. He leaves to mourn him his wife, three children, twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His life was well lived and will ever be a benediction to all who knew him. [Rogers Democrat - Rogers, Benton County, Arkansas - July 5, 1923]