James Harris

May 1940 – THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND!! James grew up in central Oklahoma around the Dustin and Seminole areas where the family worked on area farms. James moved to Okemah in 1956, and one year later he met Glenda Carper. They married on November 20th, 1959 in Poteau, Oklahoma, and began their married life in Oklahoma City.

 Even though Glenda had a well-paying job at the state capitol building in Oklahoma City making over $200 a month, James was adamant that he could not find a job in the city. Therefore, they must go to California. James was employed at the General Box Company in Firebaugh, California. He also worked at Gallo Winery and the Heil Co. in Modesto. Over the next three years he was blessed with two beautiful daughters.

 In 1967 James and his family moved to Pocola Oklahoma. There he and his brother started an auto collision repair business which was called Harris Body Shop. They experienced quick success due to James’ great business skills. He was the first in the area to own and operate an auto frame straightener, generating a massive surge in business. He prided himself as being the best car painter in the two-state area,and gained recognition in his profession as well as from other local businesses. James retired from the auto industry in 1999.

 After his retirement, James enjoyed many trips across the U.S. with his wife, brothers, nephew, and sisters. He loved trout fishing and hunting in Colorado. He also took great pleasure in taking Talon and Kenzie on vacations to Branson, as well as enjoying trips to the zoos and the science museum with them. Throughout his life he also tried his hand at golf and archery where he proved he was talented in many areas. James was an avid domino player. He and Glenda would play for hours and hours with Pauline and Tracy.

 James loved girls softball! He followed three generations, his daughters Carole and Sharon, granddaughters Jamie and Katie, and the softball era continued on with his great-granddaughter Kenzie who signed with Murray State in 2021. James was known as “Papa” to the teams, especially the Pocola lady Indians. We are confident that he will be watching his younger great-granddaughters, Adelyn and River from his Heavenly home.

 James was passionate about gardening, he loved growing flowers and vegetables. He took great pride in being able to provide fresh vegetables to friends and family. He especially enjoyed rock painting. He truly loved letting the grandkids choose the rocks they wanted. Papa enjoyed letting Gavin and Benji help him paint, but was very leery when Benji would pick up a rock because he always got into throwing position. Even adult children fought over his special rock paintings. The rocks will be cherished forever. He always had his golf cart gassed up and ready for every grandkid that came to visit. He attended church at Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. James was preceded in death by his parents, Omer & Lois (Brown) Harris; sister, Jolene Harris; brothers, K.R. Harris, C.W. Harris & Edward Harris.

Survivors  include his wife, Glenda of the home; daughters, Carole Ford & husband David of Pocola, OK, Sharon Cheshier & husband Phil of Ft. Smith, AR.; grandchildren, Jamie Earls & husband Justin of LeFlore, OK, Grant Glenn & wife Teedra of Poteau, OK, Terry Springwater & Natacha Baskette of Spiro, OK, Katie Sullins & husband Zach of Alma, AR, Jordan Springwater & wife Katie of Sand Springs, OK; Great-Grandchildren: Talon Tuck, Kenzie Tuck, Gavin Glenn, Adelyn Glenn, Benjamin Springwater, Oliver Springwater, Peyton Sullins, River Sullins, Cactus Springwater, Hadley Black; sisters, Audrey Hayes of Pocola, OK, Pauline Chadwick & husband Tracey of Spiro, OK,  Marie Vento & husband Eddie of TX; brother,  Glenn Harris & wife Joyce of Spiro, OK; Numerous nieces, and nephews, as well as a host of cousins and long-time friends.

Services will be 2 pm, Monday, August 9, 2021 at Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church, Ft. Smith, AR with Rev. Will Harmon officiating.  Burial will follow at Spiro City Cemetery, Spiro, OK.   Pallbearers will be Phil Cheshier, David Ford, Grant Glenn, Terry Springwater, Jordan Springwater & Talon Tuck.  Visitation will be Sunday from 1-6 pm at Evans Memorial Chapel in Pocola.