James W. Harris Sr., Sussex businessman
James Woodward Harris Sr., 71, of Millsboro, passed away surrounded by friends and family Monday, June 20, 2011, after a brief stay at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. Jim was born in Wilmington, Feb. 19, 1940.
He was predeceased by his father and mother, Curtis Paul and Hazel Eaton Harris. Jim is survived by his wife, Bonnie Harris; son James W. Harris Jr. of Millsboro; daughter Anna Harris of Claymont, and daughter Kathleen (Chuck) of Wilmington; and stepson Jamie Donaway (Anne) of Millsboro. He is also survived by grandchildren Brianna Harris, Carlie Harris, Krista Lawrence, Chuckie Lawrence and Brittany Harris; stepgrandchildren Mya and Daxton Donaway; and two great-great-grandchildren, Deanna and Cameron. He was formerly married to the late Nancy (Thompson) Harris. He is also survived by a brother, Curtis Harris (Gwen), and sisters Pat Wadsley (Jim), Kathleen Urban, Phyllis Fox (Ralph), Sandy Pacheco; brothers and sisters-in-law Armon and Shirley Long, Donna Sinnamon, James and Christine Layfield, David and Mary Layfield; many nieces and nephews; and a very special friend of Jim and Bonnie, Susan Fritz, who greatly helped with Jim’s care in his final months.
Jim attended Minquedale Elementary School and St. Peter’s Catholic School in New Castle. At 17 he joined the National Guard with basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. and further training in artillery at Fort Bliss, Texas. After a few years employment with Taylor Construction Co., Vannstresca & Son and Fromeyer & Co., Jim went to Brown Trade School and at the age of 26 began his lifelong career as a businessman in the trade of masonry. He operated Harris Construction Company along with his son Jimmy until he retired at the age of 66.
He also owned and operated the bar/restaurant known as the Riverside Inn in Riverdale for 25 years until recently being sold. Jim enjoyed working, riding his Harleys, shooting pool, boating, fishing, traveling, NASCAR, dancing to country music, and watching sports, as he was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan. Jim was a great supporter of the Girls and Boys Club and ran many functions to help raise funds for them and for others at a time of need. Jim was a member of the Minquadale Fire Company for several years. While living in Claymont, he was a sponsor and team member of the J & J Softball Team. But more than anything else, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 25, at the Oak Orchard Community Church, where friends may call after 9 a.m. Pastor Allen Miller will officiate. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club, 31550 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, DE 19966, or Compassionate Care Hospice, 31038 Country Gardens, 3, Dagsboro, DE 19939.
