Jimmie Garland Harris

Jimmie Garland Harris was carried away in the arms of Jesus having died peacefully from complications of the coronavirus in Decatur Hospital on May 19, 2020 in Decatur, Texas at the age of 77.

Jimmie is survived by his wife Mary and Sons Mark, Randy and wife Mandi, and Darrell and foster daughters Naomi and husband Kenneth, Nina, and Nicki, sisters Wanda and husband Jack Shatley and Lillian Greenslade, and grandchildren Tiffani and husband Robert, Brooke, Shalom and husband Tyler, Hannah, and Nicholas, also several nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by parents Connie and George, brother Ira, and sister Anita, and all of his aunts and uncles.

Jimmie was born on July 17, 1942 in Cisco, Texas to Connie and George Harris. He married Mary, who became a Registered Nurse, in April of 1963.  After having served in the Air Force he graduated from Texas Wesleyan College in 1971 with a degree in Biology.  He then worked as a Chemist and General Manager at the Fort Worth Grain Exchange until retirement.

After moving to Boyd in 1973 he began building their home and fixing everything as he had an innate talent for construction and problem solving.  He served early on with others in Boyd to build the community park now known as the James Snodgrass Memorial Park.  He is remembered as a fair umpire that officiated over many years for youth baseball and church leagues.  He also served on the church board and supported the ministry in various ways. 

Over the years, the couple raised their own and welcomed other children into their home and set about teaching them and encouraging them to pursue their goals.  As a result, they went into the fields of firefighting/medical response, law enforcement, natural resource protection, nursing, administration, construction, and education.

Jim was an accomplished golfer and as a youth was skilled at various sports and track events.  He also created intricate origami and built radio-controlled planes, boats, and copters.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching the yearly fireworks show in Arizona. 

The Rev. Harry Harris will officiate his graveside service on May 26, 2020 at 3 p.m. at Azleland Memorial Park.  The following men were special in Jimmie’s life and are listed as Honorary Paul Bearers; Dr. Arthur Cleveland, Kent Mathews, Billy May, Glenn Reed, Tom Bell, Greg Heck, Joe King, Robert Rumbaugh, & Chad Lytle.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a religious or medical charity of your choice.  Social distancing will be required at the service including masks, no handshaking, no embracing, no exceptions, your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.

The family would like to thank the Boyd Fire Department and EMS responders, Dr. Steffen, all the nurses on the 5th floor, the Cardiac ICU, and other hospital staff at the Decatur Hospital for their care of Jim.