James Raiferd Harris

FAYETTEVILLE- James “Jim” R. Harris

On April 16, 2023 Mr. James Harris passed away suddenly and painlessly at Home.

Jim was born in Rome, GA, on November 16, 1943, to the late O. L. Harris and Myrtle Drew Harris.  He was also preceded in death by his brothers, William “Bill” Harris of Jacksonville, FL and Charles Robert “Bobby” Harris.

He graduated from West Rome High School and Berry College, where he attended on a full athletic scholarship playing four sports: basketball, baseball, soccer, and golf.  He enlisted while in college and went directly to OCS after graduation and bootcamp.  With brothers serving in Vietnam, Jim was stationed in Korea where he applied his skills as a bridge builder, becoming a civil engineer for the US Army.

He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel at Fort Bragg in 1986 and began his real estate career.  Jim served the Fayetteville area as a Realtor for many years, becoming a leader and innovator in the industry who was well respected and admired.  He created fundraising programs for the public schools and was recognized nationally on many levels.

After retiring from real estate, he became well-known and appreciated for his homemade wines, chocolates, candies and fresh peach deliveries to family and friends.  Over the years, he could be spotted working in his yard, mowing his grass, or playing golf when not meeting with friends at Hardee’s for breakfast.  As a former engineer, he just couldn’t help himself; those that knew him were always looking out for the next building, garage, or greenhouse he would construct at his home.

Jim has two children from his first marriage, Jonathan Harris and Wendy Harris.  He married Constance (Connie) Harris in 1981 and welcomed two additional children into the family, Jennifer Roberson Kiser and Addam Roberson.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Brewer Harris, and their children and their families: Jonathan Harris of Knoxville, TN; Wendy Harris and Robson Spinelli of Fayetteville, NC; Jennifer Roberson Kiser and Michael Kiser and their children Lilly (13), Liam (11), Mac (8) of Indian Springs, AL; Addam Roberson and Shalon Owen Roberson and their children Bogdan (26), Owen (19), and Taylor (16) of Fuquay-Varina, NC.  He is also survived by eldest brother, Oliver Lewis Harris, Jr., of New York, NY, and extended family Gary Sherman and Josephine Harris also of New York.

The family suggests memorials to Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, 3833 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28303, or the Realtors Relief Fund for disaster recovery by texting.  Text: JimHarris to 71777.