870-367-2451
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P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR71655

Jimmy Ray Harris
December 27, 1952 - May 9, 2022

Jimmy Ray Harris

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On December 27, 1952, Jimmy Ray Harris was born to George Harris Sr. and Marvastine Ridgell in Monticello, Arkansas. He was the eldest of three children born and raised in Monticello, Arkansas where he received his education. Jimmy attended Drew and Monticello High School and graduated in the Class of 1971. In high school he was a star basketball player. Jimmy enlisted in the USAF after graduating from high school. He was assigned to Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. During his Air Force career Jimmy was an exemplary airman along with being a stand-out basketball player on the base team, traveling around the country. If you know Jimmy, you know that he had no problem showcasing his pride and telling everyone he was the best player ever to play the game of basketball. Basketball was his favorite but Jimmy loved all sports and would attend all high school and college basketball, football and track events. After his enlistment contract with the Air Force, Jimmy returned to his beloved hometown of Monticello to take care of his grandmother. During that time, he enrolled in classes at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Jimmy graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He subsequently received a coveted spot as a United States Army Commissioned Officer assignment to the Field Artillery Branch at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He completed two tours of duty with the Air Force and Army with a total of over 10 years of active-duty service. At the time of his death Jimmy was a bus driver for Watson Chapel School, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He loved driving the bus and his Toyota cars. He bragged about putting over 500K miles on his Toyota and keeping his cars well maintained like his women; so they would last a long time. Every day Jimmy would read the newspaper and discuss current events, politics and sports. He was a social butterfly and party animal. No one could out-talk Jimmy. He got loud, emotional and had to have his way and last word at any cost. While assigned to Bolling AFB, Jimmy met and married Sheree Washington and the union was blessed with two boys: Jamie and Jason Harris. Jimmy is preceded in death by both of his parents, George Harris Sr. and Marvastine August (Ridgell). He leaves to cherish his memories his life partner of more than 40 years, Rose Jordan; two sons Jamie Harris (Adrienne) (San Francisco, CA) and Jason Harris (Kathleen) (Aurora, CO); three grandchildren Sage Martin Harris and Shaheed Martin Harris (San Francisco, CA) and Alena Harris (Aurora, CO); one adopted daughter and grandson, Keisha Ridgell and her son ''June Bug'' (Conway, AR); five sisters Maryland Johnson (Inglewood, CA), Anna August (Chicago, IL), Yvette Harris (Detroit, M)I, Karen Harris Holloway (Dexter) (Detroit, MI), Jacqueline Harris Cary (Carl) (Detroit, MI); one brother George Harris, Jr., (Detroit,MI); one special aunt who Jimmy upgraded his relationship to a sister Mary Ann Hudspeth (John) (Bristow, VA); Eleanor Ridgell (Monticello, AR) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Jimmy mentored and coached so many around Southeast Arkansas that there's not enough space to name everyone. If he was your cousin, Jimmy wanted to be called Uncle JImmy and he took special care of all his family and adopted nieces and nephews. Jimmy was a pilar in his family. To God be the glory!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand...Isaiah 41:10


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Visitation
Visitation
Friday, May 20, 2022
from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71655
Map & Directions

Service
Funeral Service
Saturday, May 21, 2022
at 1:00 p.m.
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71657
Map & Directions

Interment
Mt. Zion AME Cemetery
Florence Rd.
Monticello, AR  71655
Map & Directions

Condolences(24)

  1. Debra
    Detroit, MI Saturday, May 21, 2022 Rest In Peace Cuz.
  2. Nancy Jackson Chacon
    Little Rock, AR Friday, May 20, 2022 I am so sad to learn that Jimmy has passed on. He was such a positive and joyful person. I am a member of MHS class of 1971. Jimmy was so kind and friendly and made great strides in guiding us toward becoming a more unified group. It was a confusing time on all sides. Jimmy held his head above all the rest and always had a smile on his face. I am very impressed with his achievements. It was a blessing to have known him. I am so sorry for your loss.
  3. DR.WHM
    BRONX, NY Friday, May 20, 2022 Losing a loved one is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It feels like fog casting a veil over your life. I want you to know it won’t always be that way. The fog will clear, and the sun will shine again. I am sending you my heartfelt sympathies and condolences.
  4. Maurion Jordan
    Conway, AR Friday, May 20, 2022 Praying continually for the strength of our family.
    Maurion
  5. Dorothy Walls-Stewart
    Richmond, CA Friday, May 20, 2022 Sending my deepest condolences to the family during your time of bereavement. I am so happy I was able to see Jimmy in California in 2019 for the first time in many years. Always cheerful and respectful and a lot of fun.

    Dorothy Walls (Stewart), cousin-in/law
  6. Belinda Hollis
    Monticello, AR Thursday, May 19, 2022 Jimmy, the warmth of your love was always felt among our families. We love you, and will always remember you. May you rest in peace,and may God's love comfort your loved ones during this time. The Brooks(Beulah) Family.
  7. HenryEtt Mcfadden
    Detroit,, MI Thursday, May 19, 2022 Sending Prayers & Condolences To All Of The Family❤️❤️
  8. Marilyn E Matthews
    Sherwood,, AR Thursday, May 19, 2022 Harris/Ridgell family: Praying for you all. Please know that the Matthews family is thinking about you. Marilyn, Raymond, Larry (Sammye), George (Amanda) Matthews. God bless and keep you.
  9. Michelle Jefferson
    Monticello, AR Thursday, May 19, 2022 Rest in peace Jimmy. You will be truly missed.
  10. Dr Sam Wherry
    Little Rock, AR Thursday, May 19, 2022 Seeking God's Favor and Covering upon the Family of Jimmy Harris during this time of Bereavement. Jimmy Harris was one remarkable Man of Honor and Integrity. Jimmy was a remarkable Academia Collegiate Student Graduate who went own to be outstanding Commission Officer United States Army. I remember Jimmy as the Par Excellent successor my Trailblazer Basketball 🏀 Basketball Career at Monticello, High School and a Fellow of Fellows who always Competetive Spirit
  11. Cheryl Davis
    Fort Smith, AR Thursday, May 19, 2022 Our sincere condolences to the family. Praying for strength for all of you.
  12. Brenda Binns
    Monticello, AR Thursday, May 19, 2022 Our prayers are with the families during this time of sorrow. Tereatha Ollison and family send their prayers and love to the family, please remember, earth has no sorrows that heaven can't heal.
  13. Melvin james
    Monticello, AR Thursday, May 19, 2022 My sincere condolences to the family....Keep Looking up to Jesus and He will strengthen your hearts. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord !!! Rest on, Mr. Jimmy Harris !!!
  14. Crozell (June)Lucas
    , Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Praying for the family
    RIL Jimmy
  15. Karen Harris-Holloway
    Ypsilanti, MI Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Dear Brother, may you Rest In Peace.

  16. Jacqueline Cary
    Redford, MI Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Dear brother, I wish we had taken more time to get to know each other. RIP your sister Jackie
  17. Patricia Leonard-Jackson
    Little Rock, AR Tuesday, May 17, 2022 Jimmy you were one in a million..your love for friends & family was unquestionable..you were my friend & classmate that I cared deeply for..you will be truly missed
  18. Leveta Smith
    , WI Monday, May 16, 2022 Jimmy was such a warm person, gentle with a warm smile all the time. He was always glad to see you. If, he knew you were in town he would make his way to let you know, he was so glad to see you.

    What a guy he was

    Surely will be missed. Family stay strong and encouraged.

    God Bless and keep you
  19. Tammy S Vaughn
    MONTICELLO, AR Monday, May 16, 2022 Sending my heartfelt condolences to Rose, his children, and all of the family. Jimmy was a kind person with a warm spirit. I have known him since I was a child and he has always been uplifting and a stand up gentleman! May you all find comfort in knowing, he was loved by many. God's Blessings upon you.
  20. Wanda Washington
    Panama City, FL Sunday, May 15, 2022 My condolences and prayers for the family. Jimmy was truly a great man. He always greeted you with a smile and never met a stranger. You will be missed.
  21. Welton
    Flint, MI Sunday, May 15, 2022 Sorry for your lost Will be praying 🙏 for the family.
  22. Iva J Webb
    Kansas City, KS Saturday, May 14, 2022 Jimmy I truly have no idea where to start . You were that man, Father, daddy, Uncle, cousin and everyone LOVED YOU. Thank you for always being there for my mom and siblings. Thank you for being there for me! I really loved you ❤️❤️❤️. Family we will heal. This is just different! Love you Jimmy Ray
  23. Mary Gragg
    McGehee, AR Friday, May 13, 2022 RIL, From the first time Stephen introduced me to him, until the last time I saw him, he always smiled & gave me words of encouragement. I will miss his smile. May God Bless & Keep U All 🙏🏾
  24. Faye Harris
    Davis, CA Wednesday, May 11, 2022 Rest in peace my dear cousin. You always had a smile. You will truly be missed.

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