Obituary of James William Harris

James William Harris, age 81, of Shalimar, Florida, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 13, 2024.

Jim was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on September 23, 1943.  His proud parents were Joyce and JB Harris.  Jim lived in Panama City, Florida until his parents moved to Vernon when he was a sophomore in high school.  He graduated from Vernon High School in 1961.  During his high school years, Jim played on the football, basketball, and baseball teams.

Upon graduation from high school, Jim attended Gulf Coast Junior College, where he played on the baseball team.  As a junior, he enrolled at Alabama College, Montevallo, Alabama.  He double majored with BS degrees in Physical Education and Business and graduated from University of Montevallo in 1967.

It was at Alabama College where Jim met Amanda Alderman.  They were married in 1967 and moved to Fort Walton Beach where Jim taught and coached at Meigs Junior High.

Jim later left education and became an independent insurance agent.  He continued in that profession for many years until health concerns required retirement.

During those happy years, Jim and Amanda were blessed with two precious daughters, Jennifer and Jill.  They were truly "Daddy's Girls" and have many happy memories of special times with their Dad- including Saturday morning pancake breakfasts, vacations at Seascape and trips to Disney World.

Jim enjoyed working in his yard and spending Saturday afternoons watching college football.  A special joy was watching the Sweet 16 College Basketball Tournament each year with his high school friends.

Special memories include serving on the Board of Directors of Phase II at Seascape and the friendships enjoyed with his partners of Seascape Condo 21A.

Jim was an active member of Shalimar United Methodist Church, serving in many areas of service.

He was also active in the Blue Lake Emmaus Community and served in 2006 as a Lay Director of Emmaus Walk #76, as well as, serving on the Blue Lake Emmaus Board of Directors.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother and father, Joyce and JB Harris.  Jim is survived by his wife, Amanda; daughters, Jennifer Barrett and Jill Langley, (Jody), and adored grandson, Gabriel Barrett; brothers, Drexal Harris (Jeanne), Gary Harris (Marshal), and David Harris; a special niece and special nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life at The Church at Shalimar on December 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM followed by a reception in the Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pilots for Christ and Samaritan's Purse.




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