Johnnie James Harris, Jr.

Life’s Reflections

Johnnie James Harris, Jr.

On April 5, 1948, Johnnie James Harris, Jr. was born in Kansas City, Kansas, the third of six children born to Francie Ruth (Barnes) Harris and Johnnie James Harris.  Early in his life, Johnnie professed a faith and trust in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.  He was baptized at Progressive Baptist Church by the late Reverend A. M. Hudson, Sr.  While attending the Church, he participated in youth programs.

Johnnie received his education in the public schools in the Kansas City Missouri School District.  He attended Greenwood and Edwin C. Meservey Elementary Schools, Southeast Junior High School, and graduated from Southeast Senior High School in June of 1966.  Upon graduating high school, Johnnie courageously answered the call of his country and was inducted into the United States Army on March 1, 1968 and served for two years and six months.  During the summer of 1968, he was stationed at Fort Polk Louisiana for combat training.  From July 31, 1968 through July 30, 1969 he was deployed to Vietnam for combat duty.  It was during this tour of duty that Johnnie displayed his courage and commitment to his country. The United States Army recognized that he served his country with honor and distinction, conferring the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, 2 O/S Bars and designation as Expert in Rifle.  Johnnie gave a full measure as he suffered a disability following combat In Vietnam. He received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army on September 11, 1970.

In 1980 Johnnie was united in marriage to Brenda Harris.  There were no children conceived in this union.  However, Johnnie was a loving and supportive step-father to Brenda’s son.  After several years, this marriage was dissolved in July 1985.  Johnnie was a gentle and kind-hearted person.  He would often give of his time and finances when he saw people in need.  He never forgot those who extended a helping hand to him and often expressed his appreciation with generosities.

Johnnie demonstrated artistic abilities.  He received great pleasure in playing the piano, singing, drawing, and painting.  He admired the craftsmanship of beautiful automobiles and enjoyed shopping for antiques. He also collected and read books on the workings of the human body and African America History.  Johnnie had a fascination with discovering the meaning and use of new words.

He had a strong commitment to his family and friends and enjoyed their companionship.  He would often use humor and laughter as he expressed words of encouragement and inspiration to his nieces and nephews.  He had a sincere desire to see them be the best that they could be.   Johnnie was so proud of his nieces and nephews as well as his great nieces and nephews.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Johnnie leaves to cherish his memories his parents: Francie and Johnnie J. Harris; two sisters: Delores (Taylor) Fields and Elouise Harris; three brothers: Charles (Joann) Harris, Stanley (Kathleen) Harris, and Mark Harris of San Antonio, Texas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.  

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