James L. Harris

James L. Harris, 64, passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones early Friday, December 29, 2023 at his daughter’s home in Knoxville.

He is preceded in death by his father: Cecil Harris, mother: Ethel (Fairbanks) Reed, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and beloved friend: Tina Evans.

He is survived by his sister: Virginia Ellison (Steve), daughters: Brenna Miller, Kayla Girod (Michael Murphy), Shy Pritchett (Jake), his beloved grandsons, cousins: Chuck, Don, Johnny Fairbanks, nephews: Eric Harris (Amber), Davey Richesin (Chelsey), grand-niece: Ariel, grand-nephew: Ezra, other family members, and people who were very special to him: Brenda Shelton, Kim Drain.

James was born in Athens, TN and never wandered far from his hometown of Decatur, TN. As kids, James, his sister Virginia, and his friend Brenda were inseparable. His cousins Chuck, Don, and Sammy were his best friends. He was a volunteer firefighter with the city of Decatur, worked many years at Shaw Industries in Decatur, and retired from HP Pelzer in Athens in September of 2023. He was excited for retirement and the lifestyle it would allow him to lead. Devastatingly, he was hospitalized November 7th, and the cancer he had unknowingly endured for so long was too much for his body to recover from.

He married Lisa Powers (now Thornton) in 1982, gained the nickname “James Bud” from Lisa’s loving family, and they had their daughter Shy in 1991. After they divorced, James stepped into single fatherhood like it was a job created just for him. He was Shy’s biggest fan and supporter, he coached her in sports and never missed a game, and he was her best friend and fishing buddy. He didn’t go somewhere if she wasn’t invited. They played a round of hide and seek every night before bed, and Shy earned the nickname “Booger” (country term for ghost) from him after a round where she hid under clothes in the dryer and had to be called out due to surrender by James as the seeker. That name would stick forever and became a term of endearment for him to her.

He met and married Kim Girod (now Drain) in 2004, gained two new daughters, Brenna and Kayla, and earned the name “Jim.” He fondly referred to their home as “The Estrogen Zone”, and he bought a male dog named Rascal so he could be less outnumbered. His world revolved around his family. He endured countless pranks, ambushes, vandalism by balloon, Saran Wrap, and Vaseline to his truck, and other shenanigans brought on by his three girls. He enjoyed scooping everyone up and heading to Waffle House in the wee hours of the night, and the Dollar Menu was frequented often as a favorite dinner. He was a stoic man with a soft heart for his daughters and wife. He loved anything that involved all of them being together as a family. He was a present dad, and you never had to guess if he loved you with his whole heart. He showed his love in his own special ways to each of his family members. Although Kim and Jim divorced, they remained good friends, and Jim appreciated the role Kim continued to play in his life.

His grandson Brody, who he proudly named due to the strong nature of the word “Brody”, was the son he never had and always wanted. Brody and Papaw did everything together— mowing, fixing things, fishing, camping, or just sitting at the house spending time together were Jim’s favorite things to do with him. Brody was the light of his life and Papaw was the constant father figure for him, a duty and honor he was most proud to uphold.

His daughter Kayla was his best pal. They took care of each other and spent time going to dinner, enjoying local events, and going to Brody’s events. He loved her with his whole heart and felt privileged to see her grow into the amazing mom and strong woman she is.

Brenna, his Goober, made him laugh more than anyone he’d ever met. He loved her beyond words and longed to be the person she had always needed. He was so proud to call her his daughter, and their relationship was something he cherished beyond words.

James adored his three grandsons and wore the name Papaw like a badge of honor. He was so proud of the young men they are and showed up when his health allowed to their soccer, basketball, and baseball games, having tears of joy seeing his grandsons excel. He taught Harrison and Kolson how to hold a baseball bat like he did after they found out he was in the softball league at Shaw and would hit homers to avoid running bases. He enjoyed listening to Brody play his trumpet and was so proud of how well he did in such a short amount of time. James collected pocketknives and pocket watches and was proud that they would be handed down to his grandsons.

James and his son-in-law, Jake, had the opportunity to become closer later in his life. James respected and admired Jake and appreciated the time spent and empathy shown ensuring he never lost his dignity, and he always felt welcome in Jake and Shy’s home.   He loved watching Georgia football and cussing at the TV with Jake, and he loved strengthening their bond.

James loved simplicity and the outdoors. He often traveled to Tellico, Dale Hollow, and Cades Cove to fish and camp, and he loved to cast his line on the Hiwassee River. When his daughter Shy joined the Air Force, he and Kim would also visit her and find a nearby casino to lose a few bucks at.

He loved the people he worked with at Shaw and HP Pelzer. His extended family meant everything to him. He will be forever missed by the people who got to know him. His selflessness and stubbornness will be remembered fondly.

Thank you to the Murphy family for your constant support and selflessness during this time. Thank you to all the family and friends who reached out, provided meals, came by to see James, and everyone who went out of their way to help make this devastating time a bit easier for everyone impacted by the loss of such a wonderful man.

When spring comes around, cast a line in the river, think of James, and remember that the world’s best Dad, Papaw, and friend is there with you.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services with the Rev. Lake Walker officiating.

Interment will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Family will receive friends from 5 - 7 p.m., prior to the service on Thursday.

Decatur Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the Harris Family.