James P. ‘Jim’ Harris Sr.

James P. “Jim” Harris Sr., 84, of Greencastle, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Born Oct. 9, 1939 in Terre Haute, he was the son of M. Paul and Margaret (Bird) Harris. He was a 1957 graduate of Greencastle High School “Class of 1957” and a graduate of the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan.

Jim was part of the Harris automotive family (J.I. Harris, M. Paul Harris and J.P. Harris) that operated dealerships in West Terre Haute, Brazil, Clayton and Greencastle.

He was a 53-year (in 2023) member of Temple Lodge 47 F & AM Greencastle, serving as secretary for several years, a Boy Scout Cub Master for Pack 44 and coached youth soccer, girl’s softball and little league for several years. Jim was one of the original developers of Big Walnut Sports Park and the purchase of then the 200-acre Rafferty Farm, the land that it is located on.

Jim was very proud that the Lord granted him the time and ability to build a house inside a barn which he and Jane Ann resided in for 16 years. The opportunity to physically work in the construction of the Sports Park, the construction of two churches, to go on hurricane and tornado disaster relief trips and physically build a residence.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Ronna Jean McCammack.

Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jane Ann (Hess) Harris; children Shellie (Bill) Thomas, Christie Repass, Jamie (Kevin) Maroney, Paul (Heather) Harris and Lyndsay (Jason) Holmes; grandchildren Rachael (Jeremy) Raymer, Handley Everman, Haelynn Everman, Tyler Harris, Derek Harris and Shannon Maroney; and many close friends.

Memorial Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the Brick Chapel Cemetery. Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.