Jimmy Neil Harris

On Tuesday, January 17th, Jimmy Harris passed into the loving arms of Jesus in Abilene.

Jimmy Neil Harris was born on January 2, 1952 in Coleman to Tommie and Lora Faye Odom Harris. He grew up in a farming and ranching family, near Cross Plains in the Rowden community. He attended and graduated from Cross Plains High School with the Class of 1970. He was voted Best Citizen and held the office of Class President his senior year. He met and married the love of his life, Pam Harper, on June 26, 1970. They resided in Coleman while he was employed in the oilfield by Donald Baird for a short time. He then joined the Army National Guard where he served for 6 years. Upon return from the service, and after Pam's high school graduation, they moved to Abilene where he was employed by West Texas Utilities as a transmission lineman for 5 years. In the summer of 1976, he returned home to become an active participant in the family farm and ranch operation.

On the farm, Jimmy raised cattle; farmed wheat, cotton, and milo. He also taught his family the value of hardwork, the value of a dollar, how to raise livestock, and to be good stewards of the land. There was never any time away to play or have fun until after the wheat was harvested!

In the community, Jimmy was a proud supporter of Callahan County Stock Show where he spent lots of hours with his own children showing lambs. He was often found gathering donations from local businesses to help support the youth. Jimmy had served as President of the Pee Wee Basketball Association and also served on the CPISD School Board. He always enjoyed Homecoming so he could visit with classmates while remembering the good old days. He had a strong pride in his community!

At home, Jimmy was a loving husband and dad who put his family first. Supporting his kids at their school events, stock shows, and sports activities. When the kids were growing up on most Sundays after church and throughout the summer, you could find him at the lake driving the boat while his family was water skiing or tubing. He was also incredible at writing poems, which he often did at Christmas to help Jared and Jaonna find hidden presents. He loved playing 42 and fellowshiping with family and friends! His real pride and joy was watching his 5 grandkids play on the farm and help feed the cows.

Jimmy was preceded in death by all of his grandparents; parents, Tommie and Lora Faye Odom Harris; brothers, Terry Harris and Nicky Harris.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 53 1/2 years, Pam; son, Jared Harris and wife, Lindsey; daughter, Jaonna Beck and husband, Jason; 5 grandchildren, Jhett Beck; Harper Harris; Hadley Harris; Jentry Harris; Jagger Harris; brother, Don Harris; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Harris; Nelda Gray; brother-in-law, Greg Harper; dear uncle, Hubert Stephenson; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Methodist Church of Cross Plains, Cross Plains Cancer Fund or Cross Plains Senior Center.