This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Harris, Hollingshead Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4278/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Las Cruces Sun News 30 April 2010 James I. Harris, 75, of Deming passed away peacefully at Mountain View Medical Center Saturday, April 24, 2010 surrounded by family. A memorial service will be held at Baca's Funeral Chapel in Deming on Saturday May 8, 2010 at 11 o'clock in the morning. Cremation has taken place. James was born March 17, 1935 in Newport, Arkansas to James I. Harris Sr. and Mabel Mathis Harris. He graduated in 1953 from Newport High School. James entered into the United States Army and served until 1956. In 1955 he married Donna Kay Hollingshead in Lawton, Oklahoma. After attending Cameron State College in Lawton, Oklahoma and New Mexico State University majoring in mechanical engineering he began working for the City of Deming as an Engineer in 1961. Later becoming the Director of Public Works, until retirement in 1989. After retirement he continued to do consulting work with the City of Deming and Engineers Inc. for several years. James and his wife, Donna Kay, worked with youth through the scouting program for many years, climbing mountains, hiking and camping, most notably the 50 miles hikes on the Butterfield Trail and the canoe races on the White River in Arkansas with the Explorer Scouts. He was also an avid outdoorsman; camping, hunting and fishing with his family on any given chance. James and Donna Kay were lifelong students of the Unity Church attending in Deming and Las Cruces over the years. After his children were grown, James and Donna Kay traveled throughout the United State and Europe. His last big road trip was to Alaska in 2001. James is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Donna Kay. Other survivors include his three sons, James D. Harris of Phoenix, AZ; W. Blake Harris (Mary Ann) of Las Cruces and Stacy E. Harris (Annette) of Albuquerque; one daughter, Cari A. Garcia (Gabe) of Las Cruces; 12 grandchildren, Melanie, James Jr., Phillip, Mandy, Jennifer, Bryant, Charleah, Ian, McKenzie, Matthew, Zachary and Olivia; 2 step grandchildren, Andreya and Nathan and 6 great-grandchildren , Deci, Jamie, Brandie, Brittany, Kaylee Jo and Chase. Also surviving are three brothers, Bill Harris (Jeanna), Franklin Harris (Cathy), and Bobby Ray Harris (Debbie); two sisters, Margaret Ray (Don) and Sue Ann Allen (Jerry) all of Arkansas and 28 nieces and nephews. Preceded in death were his father, James I. Harris Sr. and mother, Mabel Harris and brothers, Marshall Harris and Charles Harris. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 686 Deming NM, 88031. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20004 call: (202) 785-3355 or at www.lungusa.org/donate/ Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels. Exclusive provider for "Veterans & Family Memorial Care". To sign the online guest book or to send a card, please visit our website at www.bacasfuneralchapels.com. 811 S. Gold Ave., Deming, NM 88030. Phone: 575.546.9671 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.