James W. Harris

                James W. Harris, 90, passed away January 22, 2017 at his life long home on Shady Avenue, Lowville.

                Born April 14,1926, in Lowville, NY, Jim was the only child of Stuart and Madge Harris.  He attended Lowville Academy and graduated in 1944.  He immediately joined the U.S.Navy, served on the ship, USS FireDrake for two years, and was present at the Sea of Japan when Japan surrendered at the end of WWII. 

                On September 21, 1946, he married Mary Martzloff, also of Lowville.  For over 70 years they were devoted partners and companions.  They had seven children:  Kay(Doyle) Northport, MI; Jean(Mangold)  Rochester, NY;  Janet(Harris)  Rochester, NY;  David  Carthage, NY; Ann(Fowler) Cicero, NY;  Linda(McAnulty) Watertown, NY; and John  Bloomfield, NY.  Besides being survived by his wife, and children, Jim was a kind and great role-model for his fifteen loving grandchildren, and his eleven great-grandchildren.

                After finishing his military service, Jim returned to Lowville and took a job with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, where he worked as a lineman and foreman for 42 years until his retirement in 1988.  He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the American Legion, and the Lowville Elks Club.  He also was a longtime member of the Brown Creek Club, near Harrisville.

                All his life, Jim spent much of his leisure time at the cottage built by his grandfather, William Babcock, on the southshore of Brantingham Lake.  As a boy, he spent summers there with his cousin, George Harris of New Hartford, NY.  Later in life, big family gatherings were common there.

                Jim Harris was foremost a family man.  A caring son, a devoted husband, a great father, grandfather and great grandfather, he was also a loyal friend.  Everyone enjoyed his talents, especially his piano playing and ability to fix and build things.  He was a fantastic storyteller and his amazing sense of humor and original descriptive phrases delighted all who heard them.  A good man; a wonderful life.  He will be missed.

                There will be no calling hours or funeral.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lowville American Legion Post # 162, 5383 Dayan Street, Lowville, NY 13367.

                Condolences may be made to the Harris family at www.isenekerfuneral home.com.

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