James Harris, 79

Born: June 12, 1932

Died: May 24, 2012

James Walter “Walt” Harris, 79, of Benton Harbor, died Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

Walts’ life began on June 12, 1932, in Hartford, Ky., to Columbus and Verdie Harris.

He was a workingman, starting out at Michigan Standard Alloy, then Seven Trees Security. He loved to fish, camp, travel, NASCAR and especially loved his animals.

He was married in 1962 to Sue Carol (Hillard) Harris and they had six children: Michael (Deanna) Harris, of Niles, Jody (Brian) Huff, of Eau Claire Jeff Harris, of Benton Harbor, Donny Harris, of Galien, Stacy (William) Edwards, of Niles, and Shannan (John) Leonard, of Eau Claire; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers and three sisters, Oscar, Carol, Norbell, Linda and Charles.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; brother, Oscar,; and parents, Columbus and Verdie.

Funeral services for Walt will be held Wednesday, May 30, at 1:30 p.m. at Hoven Funeral Home, 414 E. Front St., Buchanan, MI 49107 with Pastor Clarence Smith officiating. Visitation with his family will be from noon until the time of the service on Wednesday.

Burial will be at Shanghai Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to offset final expenses would be greatly appreciated.