James Jerome Harris, Jr.

James Jerome Harris, Jr., aka “Jay and JJ”, born on March 11, 1968, in Portsmouth, VA, transitioned from earth to glory on June 18, 2024. He was born to his father, James J. Harris, Sr. and to his mother, Brenda Lee Harris. He lived in Portsmouth, traveled all over the world as he rendered 20 plus years of committed service in the U.S. Air Force. Following retirement from the military, he resided in the state of Georgia, and then eventually made Portsmouth his home again. His educational background includes the Portsmouth Public School System, where he graduated from I.C. Norcom High School, Class of 1986; then graduated from Georgia State University in 2014, majored in Physical Education. He met his wife, Manetres Bell-Harris at the age of 10 and they developed a childhood friendship. This was the foundation of a beautiful relationship that many years later after reconnecting, led to a blissful marriage on October 7, 2021. This was a special union and the families joined together as one. Realizing his need for God, James accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior, led by his wife. James said, “I have experienced life.” He was generous in sharing his life, and was a pillar of the community. He left a lasting impact on the lives of many. After his retirement from the military, he fulfilled his lifetime dream and passion to coach and to work with the youth. That dream was fulfilled as he served as a Special Education Teacher at Spencer High School in Columbus, GA; then became employed at New Gospel Child Development Center in Portsmouth, VA. He was blessed with the opportunity to live out his desire to coach and mentor the youth. He experienced a great joy to coach I.C. Norcom’s Varsity Football Team, the Girls’ Softball Team, and the Boys’ Basketball Team. Coaching was his heartbeat. Even on Military bases, he coached while simultaneously changing the lives of the youth throughout the world. Whether lending a listening ear or extending a helping hand, James was described by many as a friend with a gentle, quiet, and humble soul, willing to help anyone. With such a positive attitude, he would often say, "I got you", “That’s what’s up”, “Let me do it”, and “There it is”. What a good man he was. He truly cared about the welfare of others; especially his family whom he truly loved from his heart. James will forever remain in our hearts. He has left a legacy that has come from his character, reputation, and the life he has led. He has set an example for many to follow. Sleep on James. We will indeed miss you. The memory of the life you shared with us, will always remain in our hearts. James leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and supportive wife, Manetres Bell-Harris; his mother, Brenda Lee Harris; his father, James Harris, Sr., his father-in-law, Robert L. Bell, Sr.; four siblings: Rocco M. Harris (Sharnetta), Atasha Fee Wilson (Francis), Antonio Cashiz Clay, Ricardo J. Harris; four sons: De'Ontrae Smith, Detwane Williams, Pierre LeGrand, Ja'Von Harris; two step-daughters: Likea Bell and Quanae Bell; one step-son: Marquan Bell; and a host of aunts , uncles, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. · THE FAMILY IS REQUESTING THAT FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND GUESTS TO WEAR WHITE IN HONOR OF JAMES J. JARRIS JR. · LIVE STREAMING OF THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE ON TRUTH TRANSFORMATION MINISTRIES’ WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE LISTED BELOW: https://itistruth.org/live-streaming/ https://www.facebook.com/truthtransformationministries

James Jerome Harris, Jr.

March 11, 1968 - June 18, 2024