Source: Daily Ardmoreite
Ardmore, OK —
James Aubrey Harris, born Feb. 27, 1922, in Ardmore, Okla., passed away at the age of 87 on Sept. 15, 2009, after a brief and courageous battle with brain cancer.
James operated Harris' Service Station on South Washington, one of the few full-service gas stations still in Ardmore, until July 6, 2009, when he became ill.
Over the years, his two daughters and four granddaughters could be found out on the driveway waiting on customers. Those customers became his extended family; hetook great joy in seeing them and hearing about their families, watching as generations grew up.
Most holidays found him opening for at least half the day, "just in case his regulars" needed gas. Evenings and weekends found him at the farm tending cattle and horses or at the racetrack watching the horses run.
James was a member of "Our Greatest Generation," the famous phrase coined by Tom Brokaw to characterize those who came of age during World War II. He enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard in June of 1939 at the age of 17 (stating that his date of birth was one year earlier than it actually was so he would be able to enlist,) served for one year, graduated from Dickson High School, then was inducted into the US Army, 45th infantry division, at 18.
Upon completion of basic training in Abilene, Texas, James served stateside until spending two weeks in North Africa and from there was stationed in Italy. He fought first in the Sicilian Campaign, July 16-Sept. 7, 1943, earning a Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal for bravery in action.
His "conduct on this occasion is worthy of the highest praise," according to his commanding officer. During the Italian Campaign, (Sept. 9, 1943 - June 14, 1944), in the midst of a fierce firefight, he was critically wounded with mortar fragments in his chest and back.
The US Army awarded him a Purple Heart and a second Bronze Star for continuing to fire upon the enemy after he was injured.
James' commands included Heavy Machine Gun NCO and Anti-Tank NCO. Upon honorable discharge in March of 1945, he left the service after five and a half years with the rank of Sergeant.
After returning to Oklahoma, James married his sweetheart, Nora Margaret Thomason on Dec. 28, 1946. They had two daughters, Karen Jane Harris Willis and Jimmie Deean Harris Wallis. James recovered from his war injuries, and worked in the family dairy at Provence until taking over the gas station.
His life was characterized by his generosity and gentle, caring nature as well as his commitment to serving others. He was always willing to extend a helping hand to family and friends, and found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren.
A smile and laugh were always included in conversation. He loved following his beloved Sooners, although, much to his chagrin, five of the girls in the family and two of their spouses graduated from Oklahoma State University.
He never missed an opportunity to remind them how his team was doing! Knowing him was a privilege; being family to him a gift.
James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nora, his two daughters, Karen Willis and husband Joe, and Jimmie Wallis and husband Bill, all of Ardmore; four granddaughters, Christie Millis and husband Bill, Stillwater, Joey Niebrugge and husband Donny, Sarah Wallis and Callie Wallis, Oklahoma City; four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Opal John and husband Don, Ardmore, Charlene McClendon and husband Lloyd, Moore and Shirley Johnston and husband Ken, Ardmore; brothers, Curtis Harris and wife Darlene and Boise Harris and wife Laura, Ardmore.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Agnes Harris; and one brother, Bobby Harris.
Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Harvey Douglas Funeral Home. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. followed by graveside services with military honors at Provence Cemetery.
Ardmore, OK —
James Aubrey Harris, born Feb. 27, 1922, in Ardmore, Okla., passed away at the age of 87 on Sept. 15, 2009, after a brief and courageous battle with brain cancer.
James operated Harris' Service Station on South Washington, one of the few full-service gas stations still in Ardmore, until July 6, 2009, when he became ill.
Over the years, his two daughters and four granddaughters could be found out on the driveway waiting on customers. Those customers became his extended family; hetook great joy in seeing them and hearing about their families, watching as generations grew up.
Most holidays found him opening for at least half the day, "just in case his regulars" needed gas. Evenings and weekends found him at the farm tending cattle and horses or at the racetrack watching the horses run.
James was a member of "Our Greatest Generation," the famous phrase coined by Tom Brokaw to characterize those who came of age during World War II. He enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard in June of 1939 at the age of 17 (stating that his date of birth was one year earlier than it actually was so he would be able to enlist,) served for one year, graduated from Dickson High School, then was inducted into the US Army, 45th infantry division, at 18.
Upon completion of basic training in Abilene, Texas, James served stateside until spending two weeks in North Africa and from there was stationed in Italy. He fought first in the Sicilian Campaign, July 16-Sept. 7, 1943, earning a Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal for bravery in action.
His "conduct on this occasion is worthy of the highest praise," according to his commanding officer. During the Italian Campaign, (Sept. 9, 1943 - June 14, 1944), in the midst of a fierce firefight, he was critically wounded with mortar fragments in his chest and back.
The US Army awarded him a Purple Heart and a second Bronze Star for continuing to fire upon the enemy after he was injured.
James' commands included Heavy Machine Gun NCO and Anti-Tank NCO. Upon honorable discharge in March of 1945, he left the service after five and a half years with the rank of Sergeant.
After returning to Oklahoma, James married his sweetheart, Nora Margaret Thomason on Dec. 28, 1946. They had two daughters, Karen Jane Harris Willis and Jimmie Deean Harris Wallis. James recovered from his war injuries, and worked in the family dairy at Provence until taking over the gas station.
His life was characterized by his generosity and gentle, caring nature as well as his commitment to serving others. He was always willing to extend a helping hand to family and friends, and found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren.
A smile and laugh were always included in conversation. He loved following his beloved Sooners, although, much to his chagrin, five of the girls in the family and two of their spouses graduated from Oklahoma State University.
He never missed an opportunity to remind them how his team was doing! Knowing him was a privilege; being family to him a gift.
James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nora, his two daughters, Karen Willis and husband Joe, and Jimmie Wallis and husband Bill, all of Ardmore; four granddaughters, Christie Millis and husband Bill, Stillwater, Joey Niebrugge and husband Donny, Sarah Wallis and Callie Wallis, Oklahoma City; four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Opal John and husband Don, Ardmore, Charlene McClendon and husband Lloyd, Moore and Shirley Johnston and husband Ken, Ardmore; brothers, Curtis Harris and wife Darlene and Boise Harris and wife Laura, Ardmore.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Agnes Harris; and one brother, Bobby Harris.
Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Harvey Douglas Funeral Home. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. followed by graveside services with military honors at Provence Cemetery.
Source: Daily Ardmoreite
Ardmore, OK —
James Aubrey Harris, born Feb. 27, 1922, in Ardmore, Okla., passed away at the age of 87 on Sept. 15, 2009, after a brief and courageous battle with brain cancer.
James operated Harris' Service Station on South Washington, one of the few full-service gas stations still in Ardmore, until July 6, 2009, when he became ill.
Over the years, his two daughters and four granddaughters could be found out on the driveway waiting on customers. Those customers became his extended family; hetook great joy in seeing them and hearing about their families, watching as generations grew up.
Most holidays found him opening for at least half the day, "just in case his regulars" needed gas. Evenings and weekends found him at the farm tending cattle and horses or at the racetrack watching the horses run.
James was a member of "Our Greatest Generation," the famous phrase coined by Tom Brokaw to characterize those who came of age during World War II. He enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard in June of 1939 at the age of 17 (stating that his date of birth was one year earlier than it actually was so he would be able to enlist,) served for one year, graduated from Dickson High School, then was inducted into the US Army, 45th infantry division, at 18.
Upon completion of basic training in Abilene, Texas, James served stateside until spending two weeks in North Africa and from there was stationed in Italy. He fought first in the Sicilian Campaign, July 16-Sept. 7, 1943, earning a Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal for bravery in action.
His "conduct on this occasion is worthy of the highest praise," according to his commanding officer. During the Italian Campaign, (Sept. 9, 1943 - June 14, 1944), in the midst of a fierce firefight, he was critically wounded with mortar fragments in his chest and back.
The US Army awarded him a Purple Heart and a second Bronze Star for continuing to fire upon the enemy after he was injured.
James' commands included Heavy Machine Gun NCO and Anti-Tank NCO. Upon honorable discharge in March of 1945, he left the service after five and a half years with the rank of Sergeant.
After returning to Oklahoma, James married his sweetheart, Nora Margaret Thomason on Dec. 28, 1946. They had two daughters, Karen Jane Harris Willis and Jimmie Deean Harris Wallis. James recovered from his war injuries, and worked in the family dairy at Provence until taking over the gas station.
His life was characterized by his generosity and gentle, caring nature as well as his commitment to serving others. He was always willing to extend a helping hand to family and friends, and found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren.
A smile and laugh were always included in conversation. He loved following his beloved Sooners, although, much to his chagrin, five of the girls in the family and two of their spouses graduated from Oklahoma State University.
He never missed an opportunity to remind them how his team was doing! Knowing him was a privilege; being family to him a gift.
James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nora, his two daughters, Karen Willis and husband Joe, and Jimmie Wallis and husband Bill, all of Ardmore; four granddaughters, Christie Millis and husband Bill, Stillwater, Joey Niebrugge and husband Donny, Sarah Wallis and Callie Wallis, Oklahoma City; four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Opal John and husband Don, Ardmore, Charlene McClendon and husband Lloyd, Moore and Shirley Johnston and husband Ken, Ardmore; brothers, Curtis Harris and wife Darlene and Boise Harris and wife Laura, Ardmore.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Agnes Harris; and one brother, Bobby Harris.
Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Harvey Douglas Funeral Home. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. followed by graveside services with military honors at Provence Cemetery.
Ardmore, OK —
James Aubrey Harris, born Feb. 27, 1922, in Ardmore, Okla., passed away at the age of 87 on Sept. 15, 2009, after a brief and courageous battle with brain cancer.
James operated Harris' Service Station on South Washington, one of the few full-service gas stations still in Ardmore, until July 6, 2009, when he became ill.
Over the years, his two daughters and four granddaughters could be found out on the driveway waiting on customers. Those customers became his extended family; hetook great joy in seeing them and hearing about their families, watching as generations grew up.
Most holidays found him opening for at least half the day, "just in case his regulars" needed gas. Evenings and weekends found him at the farm tending cattle and horses or at the racetrack watching the horses run.
James was a member of "Our Greatest Generation," the famous phrase coined by Tom Brokaw to characterize those who came of age during World War II. He enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard in June of 1939 at the age of 17 (stating that his date of birth was one year earlier than it actually was so he would be able to enlist,) served for one year, graduated from Dickson High School, then was inducted into the US Army, 45th infantry division, at 18.
Upon completion of basic training in Abilene, Texas, James served stateside until spending two weeks in North Africa and from there was stationed in Italy. He fought first in the Sicilian Campaign, July 16-Sept. 7, 1943, earning a Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal for bravery in action.
His "conduct on this occasion is worthy of the highest praise," according to his commanding officer. During the Italian Campaign, (Sept. 9, 1943 - June 14, 1944), in the midst of a fierce firefight, he was critically wounded with mortar fragments in his chest and back.
The US Army awarded him a Purple Heart and a second Bronze Star for continuing to fire upon the enemy after he was injured.
James' commands included Heavy Machine Gun NCO and Anti-Tank NCO. Upon honorable discharge in March of 1945, he left the service after five and a half years with the rank of Sergeant.
After returning to Oklahoma, James married his sweetheart, Nora Margaret Thomason on Dec. 28, 1946. They had two daughters, Karen Jane Harris Willis and Jimmie Deean Harris Wallis. James recovered from his war injuries, and worked in the family dairy at Provence until taking over the gas station.
His life was characterized by his generosity and gentle, caring nature as well as his commitment to serving others. He was always willing to extend a helping hand to family and friends, and found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren.
A smile and laugh were always included in conversation. He loved following his beloved Sooners, although, much to his chagrin, five of the girls in the family and two of their spouses graduated from Oklahoma State University.
He never missed an opportunity to remind them how his team was doing! Knowing him was a privilege; being family to him a gift.
James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nora, his two daughters, Karen Willis and husband Joe, and Jimmie Wallis and husband Bill, all of Ardmore; four granddaughters, Christie Millis and husband Bill, Stillwater, Joey Niebrugge and husband Donny, Sarah Wallis and Callie Wallis, Oklahoma City; four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Opal John and husband Don, Ardmore, Charlene McClendon and husband Lloyd, Moore and Shirley Johnston and husband Ken, Ardmore; brothers, Curtis Harris and wife Darlene and Boise Harris and wife Laura, Ardmore.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Agnes Harris; and one brother, Bobby Harris.
Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Harvey Douglas Funeral Home. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. followed by graveside services with military honors at Provence Cemetery.
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