Mr. James L. Harris, age 83, passed away Friday, February 21, 2025 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI.
Public viewing will also take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Memorial Chapel, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.
Graveside services will follow at 1 p.m. in Greenview Cemetery, Reidsville, NC.
James Leonard Harris affectionately know as “Wink” was born in Reidsville, NC on March 10, 1941 to John W. and Agnes Leak Harris.
He was raised in Reidsville and attended the public schools graduating from Booker T. Washington High School class of 1959.
Wink loved sports and was a member of the BTHS 1957 State Baseball Champions. He was also the captain of the Football Team and was recently inducted in the Reidsville Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
After high school, Wink moved to New York and was later drafted by the United States Army where he served in the Vietnam War. After an Honorable Discharge, he relocated to Detroit, Michigan and worked for Ford Motor Frame Plant for over 31 years.
Wink was an avid bowler and loved the sport. He would travel all over the country competing in major tournaments. He loved to show off his “299 High Game Rings” which he was very proud of. He love competing so much that he was a member of his favorite card game “Bid Whist” traveling team.
Wink was blessed with a son, Jason Lamont Harris (Patsy Hudson – mother). Jason was indeed the delight of Wink’s life. He was blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law, Latosha Harris. From this union, he was blessed with two grandsons, Jarod & Jordan; and boy, he was exceptionally proud of them. There was very limited conversations that did not consist of his admiration and love for his grandsons.
Wink accepted Christ at an early age and joined First Christian Church in Reidsville, NC and served until moving away. He later joined United Christian Church of Detroit which he loved dearly. He was an Ordained Deacon, member of the Male Chorus, Board of Trustees and Hospitality Committee.
Wink always remained close to his family, friends and classmates in Reidsville, NC. He looked forward to visiting them each year with his son Jason by his side.
Wink was a kind person, loving father and special friend to many and was willing to help anyway he could. His neighbors knew they could always call on “Mr. Wink” whenever they needed something, especially during Thanksgiving. Wink and his friend, Andrew would fry turkeys for the neighbors and friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Agnes Harris; sisters, Dorothy Mae Stadler of Reidsville, NC, Inez Harris, Clarina Anthony, Zetta Cooper and brother, George McCain all of New York.
He leaves to cherish his memories his son, Jason Harris (Latosha) of Detroit, MI; one brother, John E. Harris (Dorothy) of Reidsville, NC; two grandsons, Jarod & Jordan Harris of Detroit, MI; nephews, Emanuel “Sweet Pea” Harris (Pat) of Oxon Hill, MD, Lawrence Cooper of Brooklyn, NY, Lynwood Cooper of Las Vegas, NV, Daryl Harris (Minda) of Mebane, NC; nieces, Barbara Anthony of New York, Patty Pryor of Bloomfield, NJ, Angela Galloway of Reidsville, NC and Telicia Jones of Greensboro, NC; close friends, Andrew and Janice Ratliff, Alvin Burch and Marvin Patton; a host of other relatives and friends.
Service by McLaurin-Harris
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