James E. Harriss

HARRISS, JAMES E. James E. Harriss entered this life on March 8, 1918, and left us on May 4, 2003. Services will be held at 1:30pm Thursday, May 8 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, 6101 Bosque Blvd. with the Rev. Ben Disney officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6-8pm Wednesday, May 7 at the Garden Room of the funeral home. Mr. Harriss was born in Du Quoin, Illinois to James C. and Evelyn Whitlock Harriss and spent many years in the Midwest before coming to Waco in 1971. He attended Southern Illinois University graduating in 1942. While still in college in 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps serving as a pilot with the 9th Air Force serving in England, France and North Africa. Following his service he worked as a National Service Officer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars until 1957 when he began working for the Veterans Administration current Department of Veterans Affairs. He transferred to the Waco Regional Office as the Adjudication Officer in 1971 and remained here after his retirement. He married Mary L. Anheuser in April 1942. They remained together until her death in March 2001. They had one child, Sandy. His immediate survivors include daughter, Sandy and son-in-law, Joe Thompson. He is also survived by a sister, Marian Cross; brother, Neil and Mary and their children. Jim spent his life attempting to make life less difficult for others both through his employment and his volunteer service. Until Mary’s health and his own health no longer permitted his participation he was active in the local amateur radio club; radio controlled model airplane association, and Mission Waco tutoring children in reading and math. His family would like to extend their gratitude to all those who gave him such wonderful care during his hospitalizations at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center and while a resident at Regent Care Center in Woodway. Of special note is the staff of the emergency room and MICU at Hillcrest Hospital and the Regent Care Center. Their concern, caring, and tenderness can never be repaid, but will always be remembered and Dr. James Graham who once again was care provider, friend, and supporter. The family also wishes to extend their gratitude to Fuzzy Friends who found and provided Jim’s companion and best buddy of the last two years, Gringo. The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com by selecting obituaries. Select “Sign Memorial Guestbook” at the top of the individual Memorial” WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY