James Thomas Harris

Mr. James Thomas Harris, age 100, died peacefully after a short illness on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the residence of his son and daughter-in-law in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Mr. Harris was born June 30, 1925, in China Grove, North Carolina. He was the son of William and Grace Harris. He was always faithful to God, family, and country. He served in the Navy in the Pacific Ocean area during World War II aboard the Destroyer Escort “Bebus.” He faced many perilous military engagements in service of our nation. After the war, James returned to Danville where he met and married the love of his life, Ruth Sawyers Harris. They were married for 65 years until her passing in 2011. James lived most of his life in Danville, Virginia where he worked for the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company. James was well known and loved by everyone who knew him. He worked as a telephone lineman and was later promoted to install and repair the first teletype machines. He coached Little League and was faithfully active in the First Independent Methodist Church of Danville where he served in many areas to include church leadership positions. James also loved playing golf and even came close to a hole in one. Most of all he loved the Lord and his family to the very end of his life. He is survived by one daughter Brenda Carter and husband, Ray of Jamestown. N.C. and one son, Richard Thomas Harris and wife, Deborah of Goose Creek, S.C. Other surviving relatives include nephews Sam and Larry Isom as well as special nieces Linda Slaughter, Pam Isom, and Carol Sawyers. James has three grandsons, Jason Harris and wife Crystal, Kevin Harris and wife Tracy, and Brian Harris and wife Kathleen as well as seven great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. In addition to his loving wife Ruth and beautiful daughter Janis Marie Harris, he was predeceased by one brother, Ray “Buddy” Harris, and two sisters, Blanche Finley, and Mildred Isom. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in the Mausoleum of Danville Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Gary Briden and the Reverend Mike Hearp officiating. Interment will follow in the Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the charity of your choice. Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Homes, Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the Harris family.

James Thomas Harris

June 30, 1925 - April 4, 2026