James Coleman Harris , age 89 years, of Hazel Green, Alabama, passed on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Hospice Family Care, Huntsville, AL

His immediate family, extended family, and close friends knew him as Coleman.  Coleman, the oldest child of William and Tearie Toney Harris, was born at home in Triana, Alabama on July 28, 1931. Both parents preceded him in death. He received his early education in Triana, Alabama for the first 6 grades.  The school in Triana only went through the sixth grade. There were no local schools in Madison County for black children to further their education.  To this end, his parents sent him to Chicago, Illinois to continue his education.  He subsequently came back to Huntsville and attended Councill High School before graduating from Councill Training School in 1949.

He joined the Air Force in 1950, retiring after a 28-year military career where he attained the rank of Master Sergeant. His military career took him all over the world.  He was stationed in Japan, Germany, Korea, Guam, Alaska, and multiple locations in the Continental U.S. He moved back to Huntsville upon his retirement from the military and took a position with The Prudential as an Insurance Agent.   He loved working as an Insurance Agent, a position that allowed him to meet people all over the North Alabama and Southern Tennessee.  He was known for handing out advice whether it was asked for or not and he never met a stranger. One of his Great Nieces acknowledged "Uncle JC was a great person. I always enjoyed his talks when he would come over to our house.  May he rest in peace."

In the early 1950's he married Jessie Mae Harris, a relationship that lasted 28-years.  Upon her death, he met and married Joyce Boatwright Harris. They lived in Huntsville for a few years before settling in Hazel Green.  Joyce preceded him in death.

His memory will always be cherished by his sister, two brothers, several sisters-in-law, two step-children, multiple cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He also leaves to cherish his memory an incredibly special friend, Loretta Eason.

Due to COVID, a private memorial service will be held grave side at the Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee with family.

Graveside service for Mr. James C. Harris will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.