James Harris Obituary

James W. Harris, 77, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Born on Oct. 31, 1948, in Brownsville, he was the son of James J. and Genevieve Croisy Harris. Jim was a devoted husband of 45 years to Denise (Koppelman) Harris and a loving father to Brendan (Tricia) and Lauren Harris. He had a long and extensive career in public service, holding leadership positions in both the legislative and executive branches of state government. Jim began his professional career as Chief of Staff to then Sen. J. Barry Stout, where he tirelessly worked to improve the southwestern Pennsylvania region he was honored to call home. He went on to hold the position of a deputy secretary in the Department of Revenue under the Casey Administration before being appointed to serve as a judge for the Pennsylvania Board of Claims. He was active in Democratic politics but enjoyed close friendships on both sides of the political aisle. A proud veteran with over 30 years of service, Jim held positions in the U.S. Army Reserves, Pennsylvania National Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. He was activated in 2003 under Operation Iraqi Freedom/Liberty Shield and again in 2005, where he helped lead the post-Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts in New Orleans. He retired as a chief petty officer from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2008. Jim will be lovingly remembered for his charming, outgoing nature and ability to make a friend anywhere he went. He was devoted to his family and took great joy in finding ways to tease or pull their legs with a tall tale. He was proud of his Irish and French ancestry and fondly spoke of his visits to both countries. Jim was the life of the party and could always be found in the center of the room telling stories and jokes with old friends and new. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by grandchildren, Molly, Patrick, and Maggie Harris; sister, Jeannette (Thomas) Dellirocili; brother, Marc Harris; nieces Alisa (Tim) Helinsky, Kim Woods, and Louise (Bill) Binns; nephews, Jamie Woods and T.J. (Abby) Dellirocili; as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Van Harris; sister-in-law, Linda Blackburn; nephew, Adam Dellirocili; and granddaughter, Genevieve Harris. An Irish Wake and celebration of Jim's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Jim's honor to the The Parkinson's Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/ form=19983. To sign the Online guest book, please visit www.malpezzifuneralhome.com.