James Edward Harris

James Edward Harris was born August 19, 1949 in Morrilton, Arkansas to James Jr. and Deloise Harris. He was diagnosed with diabetes in 1978 and passed away June 2, 2014 in Little Rock, Ark., at the John L. McClellan Veterans Administration Hospital due to complications of this disease. He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by his wife and immediate family. He accepted Christ at 14 years of age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He graduated from Morrilton High School in 1967 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969. He served in the Vietnam War and retired from active duty in 1971. James served in the food service industry four decades, working for Hank's Doghouse for 14 years and as head chef at Arkansas Children's Hospital for 25 years. He retired in 2008. James was known for his delicious cuisine and sense of humor; his love of sports, specifically softball — he coached for more than 20 years and the last team he coached was Ugly Mike's Angels. He also served as a basketball referee for a number of years. He adored cars — he owned several beloved vehicles including Cadillacs and Lincolns. James was a loyal friend — he never met a stranger — and had a number of lifelong friends, including Mike "Ugly Mike" Gilliam. He was a faithful member of Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Little Rock, until his illness no longer allowed him to attend. James is survived by the love of his life, his partner for more than 30 years and wife Maude E. Harris; siblings: Tangela A. Harris (James), Vivian E. Harris-Bryant (Marvin), Sharon R. Harris-Smith (Arlando), Robert J. Harris (Kim), and Arthur D. Harris; his children: Tina Mosley, Ardell Leak, Kimberly M. Lee (Darryl), Kymeka R. Harris, and Shauntae Conner; 16 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents James Jr. and Deloise Harris; siblings Henry Charles Harris and Larry Jo Harris; and daughters LaShonda Cheri Jones and Mona Patrice Gubnay. Family Hour: Friday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary Little Rock Chapel. Funeral: Saturday, 12 noon at ACI-DI, 900 S. Pine, LR. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, LR (501) 371-0111. Sign online guestbook at www.robinsonmortuary.com. "Service You Can Trust."