Dr. Jack L. Harris

Dr. Jack L. Harris, 88, of Sykesville, Maryland, formerly of Middletown, Ohio, passed away peacefully at 3:00 am, Thursday, February 22, 2007, following a brief illness. He was born in Middletown, on August 8, 1918, son of the late Charles and Mary (nee McFall) Harris.

Jack Laird Harris grew up in Middletown and attended Middletown High School, graduating in 1936. He attended The Ohio State University, graduating in 1940 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He then attended The Ohio State University School of Medicine, graduating in 1944. Upon graduation from medical school, he served in the United States Army as an Army Physician in the Phillipines and Pacific Theatre during World War II and was honorably discharged, with the rank of Captain in 1946. Upon his return to Middletown, he began his long and extraordinary career with Armco-Middletown Works as the Plant Physician. He later became the Medical Director and held this position for over 35 years until his retirement in 1983. During his long career, he held and maintained many positions of prominence in the medical community, including: President of the American Cancer Society, Ohio Division; member of the Board of Trustees of the American Cancer Society, Ohio Division; Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati Medical School; Fellow with the Industrial Medical Association and member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Harris and his wife enjoyed collecting fine art and had maintained one of the finest collections in Southwest Ohio. They hosted many showings in their McGee Ave. home. They also enjoyed traveling extensively. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Middletown, where he sang in the choir. Dr. Harris was also affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. In 1985, shortly after his retirement, Dr. & Mrs. Harris moved full-time to the small village of Harwichport, on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts. The Cape was a favorite summer destination for the Harris family, even before purchasing a home there in 1963 and it soon became the gathering point for the many generations of the Harris family. He and Irene maintained a warm, loving home on Cape Cod for nearly twenty years, hosting an untold number of Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving celebrations, as well as countless birthday, anniversary, and graduation parties. Not to mention the summer vacations the extended Harris family enjoyed at their lovely house near the beach. This was always a favorite destination for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many close friends. Despite his many accomplishments and accolades, Jack Harris was most proud of his long, happy marriage to Irene and his loving relationship with his family.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Lenore (nee Willsey) Harris, whom he married on March 20, 1943 and enjoyed over 55 years of marriage before she passed away on May 28, 1998. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Audrey Marilyn Harris Teaford; and a grandson, Alex Harris.

Dr Jack Harris is lovingly remembered and survived by his brother, James I. Harris, and his wife Elinor, of Middletown; his children, Dr. John J. Harris, and his wife Sue, of Monroe, Debbie Love, and her husband Winston, of Roslindale, MA, Jeff Harris, and his wife Tome, of St. Charles, MO, and Chris Harris, and his wife Misty, of Laurel, MD; his grandchildren, Timothy Harris of Springboro, Eric Harris of Lebanon, Alan Harris of St. Charles, MO, Matthew, Caitlin, Maggie, Michael, & Annie Harris, all of Laurel, MD; and his great grandchildren, Tyler, Jensen, & Sydney Harris, all of Springboro.

Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 10:00 AM at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd. (at Bonita Dr.), Middletown, with Reverend John Arch VanDevender officiating. Visitation will be Monday, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Copper Ridge Institute, 710 Obrecht Rd., Sykesville, MD 21784.



Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044