To view the flowers from James' service, click here: James Harris Flowers

To view a livestream of the service access: https://www.vincentumc.com/watch

James E. 'Jim' Harris, 79, Minot, originally of Wayland, NY died Friday, February 26, 2021 in his home surrounded by his loving family after a three year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jim was born the day after Pearl Harbor on December 8, 1941 alongside twin sister Joan in upstate New York in the small community of Wayland, to William and Evelyn (Brungard) Harris. He called Wayland home during his youth, where baseball was the game, the only team was the New York Yankees and favorite players were DiMaggio, Mantle and Maris.

Jim came from a loving home that included two older siblings Barbara and Wayne and beagle dogs. A local vacant lot on Washington Street dubbed "Wildcat Stadium" played host to many great baseball games he played as a child in the 1950's. Jim graduated from high school in 1959.

He enlisted into the US Air Force at the age of 18.   He was stationed at Glasgow AFB in Montana and served as an F-101B Crew Chief of the 13th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. He was honorably discharged on December 27, 1963.

Surgery at John Moses Hospital on the Minot AFB introduced him to Joyce Endresen, a farm girl from SW Minot. They were united in marriage December 26, 1964 at Saron Lutheran Church, rural Minot. They lived in New York until returning to Minot in 1968.

Jim attended the ND State School of Science in Wahpeton and obtained an F.C.C. First Class Radio Telephone License through Brown Institute in Minneapolis. In 1968 he hired on as the second shift radioman for the Great Northern Railroad at Gavin Yard in Minot, ND. He retired in 2002 as an electronics technician foreman from BNSF Railroad.  While at Burlington Northern, Jim was recognized nationally for his work on safety in the Dakota Division.

Jim coached youth hockey and soccer. He sharpened 100s of hockey skates on his homemade equipment in the basement of his home.

In retirement, Jim enjoyed fly fishing and traveling in his RV.  He also spent many hours on his flight simulator.

Jim was a member of Vincent United Methodist Church, where he was active in various committees over the years.  He also belonged to the Moose Lodge, Lure Em' for Life, the Brunch Bunch Coffee Group and the Dakota Fly Fisherman.  Jim served as president for the Minot Hockey Boosters and local NARVE chapter.

Jim will be missed most by those who knew him as a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather and trusted friend.  He was thankful for all the memories he was blessed with during his life.

Jim's family includes his loving and patient wife of 56 years, Joyce, Minot; daughter Dr. Brenda Jo (Dan Firehammer) Harris, son Jay W. (Nancy) Harris; grandchildren Naycee, Nya and Kersey Harris; Elletta and Anika Firehammer along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Wayne, sister Barbara Collins and twin sister Joan Schields.

Service to Honor the Life of Jim Harris:  11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot. Face masks required. To view a livestream of the service access: https://www.vincentumc.com/watch

Internment will be held following Jim's anatomical gift for study to the University of North Dakota Medical School in the Veterans Section of Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

In lieu of flowers and plants memorials are preferred to Vincent United Methodist Church, Trinity Hospice or to an organization of the donor's choice.