James Orlando Harris

March 8, 1968 – October 9, 2022

James Orlando Harris was born March 8, 1968 in Longview, Washington, a loved father, son, little brother, and favorite uncle. He attended Winlock Elementary School, Mt St Helens High School, and Lower Columbia College. James passed away October 9,  2022. He was preceded in death by his father, Don Harris, his sister, Janice Harris, and his brother, Don “Butch” Harris.

He is survived by his mother, Jean Harris, his daughter, Lorajean Harris, his two older sisters, Donna Harris and Brenda Bush (Jay Bush), his niece, Kathryn Pyland, his nephews, Brandon Harris (Jacqueline Harris), James Pyland, and Jacob Bell, and his great-nephews, Arlo and Luca Harris.

We miss him. We feel his absence from our lives, and it still doesn’t feel real. We still expect him to come through the door, saying, “Hey guys, what’s up?” but we know we won’t hear that again. It’s unfair. It’s cruel. It’s sudden. He was an important and loved member of our family. In his honor, we will be drinking more mocha frappes. Those were his favorite.

He was not perfect. He struggled as we all do. He was getting better, lessening his pain, and addressing his issues just before his untimely death.

He was infamous for rescuing anyone off the side of the road, no matter what time or the weather. He would drop what he’s doing to come save us, or clear his day to help you move, and if your car broke down, he would start fixing it before you could even ask.

His mind seemed to work in puzzles. How to take something apart, how to put it back together, if something wasn’t working, what part of the machine was it? Do you replace the part or repair the wire? Can you do it with this spare part lying over there? How to make it work?

Our family is missing a piece. Time can only do so much, but it won’t repair it. He was a part of the family that cannot be replaced. We miss him. We hope he’s at peace and pain-free. When we hear an air compressor turn on, we’ll think of him. When we see someone helping someone else, we’ll think of him. Whenever we need help, we’ll think of him.

Rest well, James. We’ll take it from here.

A private funeral and memorial service will be held for family and friends at Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis, Washington.  Please contact family for more information.