JAMES BRADEN HARRIS

JAMES BRADEN HARRIS, a resident of Grand Junction, Colorado, former resident of Somerville, decorated World War II Army Veteran and husband of the late Martha Parks Harris of Fayette County died Tuesday morning, January 26, 2010 at the Veteran's Memorial Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was 86 years of age and died following an illness of several months.

Funeral Services With Military Recognition for Mr. Harris were conducted at 2 P.M. Friday, January 29th at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Rev. Wendell Smith, Pastor of the Braden United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment followed in the Somerville City Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes-Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Harris was born in Mason, Tennessee on September 2, 1923. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh L. Harris and Ruth O'Kelly Harris.

He was educated in the Tipton County Public School System and was drafted for Military Service in the United States Army during the World War II Period. His participation in warfare included the invasion of France-Omaha Beach and the "Battle of the Bulge" and he was a recipient of two purple hearts for his exemplary service to his country.

Mr. Harris was married to the former Martha Parks of Fayette County on June 4th and they enjoyed fifty-four years together before her death on June 21, 2002.

Mr. Harris was employed by the Firestone Corporation for sixteen years and then served as a well-known Greyhound Dog Breeder and Trainer for thirty-four years before his retirement.

Mr. and Mrs. Harris were residents of West Palm Beach, Florida during his dog training career and they returned to Fayette County after their retirement. Mr. Harris moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in 2007.

He was a lifelong Methodist and a member of the Masonic Lodge. Known for his patriotism and love for his country, Mr. Harris was also a member of the American Legion and Veteran's of Foreign Wars.

Mr. Harris is survived by his sister, Jane Harris Eubank and his brother, Jack T. Harris, Sr., both of Mason and a number of nieces and nephews.

Those honored to serve as casket bearers were family members.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942; Phone: 1-800-805-5856 or to a military charitable organization of the donor's choice.