James Harris

James R. Harris 60 of Kent passed away on March 7 2010 at the Ridgewood VNS Hospice Care Center. He is preceded in death by his parents Gordon and Verna Harris. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 19 years Claudia Miller. In 1991 Jim and Claudia married and began their journey together. Jim attended and graduated cum laude from Kent State University earning a B.A. in Sociology in 1996. He later was awarded Professional Honors in Fine Cuisine by The Western Reserve School of Cooking. Jim will be remembered by his loving family and friends for his intellectual curiosity his stories and humor and his many creative talents in music and art and his inventive cooking. We will miss his singing and his beautiful and very personal hand-drawn cards. In recent years his sweet gentleness drew him to the study and playing of Native American style flutes enjoyed also by his steadfast companion the Indefatigable Kitty. Born on November 10 1949 Jim graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in 1967. He served our country during the Vietnam era and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy. He is also survived by his children Melissa Dawn and Joshua James whom he loved. A Memorial and Celebration of Jim's life will take place at 2:00 PM on Sunday March 21 2010 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent 228 Gougler Avenue. Memorial donations may be made to the Indian Museum of Lake County PO Box 883 Willoughby OH 44096 or the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent or Hospice of VNS 3358 Ridgewood Rd Fairlawn OH 44333.