James Bruce Harris, Sr., known to friends as “JB,” died peacefully on January 15th surrounded by his family. Born in Draper, North Carolina on March 27, 1927, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Nellie Mae Harris.
James worked and retired from Champion Fence Company in Norfolk, having previously served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater. He was an active member of the Coleman Place Civic Association.
James is survived by many relatives including three brothers Marion Harris, Joe D. Harris Rita, and Bobby Earl Harris; two children James B. Harris, Jr. Jill of Titusville, Fla and Julia Anne Jarrett Dave of Virginia Beach; three grandchildren Ashley Crute Patrick, Kim Nosay Mike, and David Jarrett Kris, and three great-grandchildren Andrew, Katie, and Carter.
Services will be held on Monday, January 19th at 11 AM at Altmeyer Funeral home in Virginia Beach with a visitation at 10:30 AM. A brief graveside service will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
I remember Mr. Harris from the Coleman Place Civic League meeting, 98% of the time he would win the raffle drawing but he always gave his winnings back to the Civic League or it’s Christmas Fund. He will surely be missed from attending the meeting. He was a special person.
My heart and prayers go out to his family in the loss of their loved one.
Julia, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
My heart and prayers go out to Jimmy, Jill, Julia, Dave and Ashley and to everyone who loved my Uncle – he will be dearly missed.
My Uncle J.B. will always be remembered and loved by many – I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to speak with him at Christmas – a conversation I will always remember and cherish
I have so many fond memories of him and what a kind and caring man he was. He helped my Mother his sister with various tasks while my Dad was at sea – from home repairs to babysitting and in her later years she would call him for advice. They were not only brother and sister but they were friends. My husband was able to spend a long weekend with him up in their cabin in Fairystone about 35 years ago – what a treasured experience that David will never forget and the kindness my Uncle extended to someone that he barely knew – while there he spent many hours explaining ever detail of the land and lifestyle that he loved. Later we were able to have my parents 50 anniversary there – again Uncle J.B. extended his heart and home with kindness along with his wife Nellie and daughter Julia. We were surrounded by family and love and the host of this beautiful event was a man who walked the walk and was dedicated to his family and friends. I am lucky enough and very proud to be part of this Harris family. Love, Parris and David