Sgt. James R. Harrison Sr.'s Obituary
James Richard Harrison, Sr. entered peacefully into eternal life at home on January 10, 2013. He was predeceased by his parents, H.E. Harrison and Ora Corbett Harrison Engelke, and his brother Marvin Franklin Harrison. He was born on May 5, 1936 in Jacksonville, Texas. After moving to Houston, he graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. James entered the U.S. Marine Corps in the late 1950's, and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. After completing his service in the Marines in 1958, he returned to Houston where he joined the Houston Police Department. He married his loving wife Gloria Mason in 1960. He loved working with the Houston Police Department. He spent many years in the Accident Division, and became a Sergeant in the 1970's. As a Sergeant, he spent most of his time in the Patrol Division. After retiring from the Houston Police Department in 1984, he became Parking Garage Manager at the Downtown Foley's. In 1991, he went to work at Texas Children's Hospital in the Security Specialist Department. In January 2008, he retired from Texas Children's Hospital due to declining health. Jim worked hard all of his life, taking his first job in his early teens. He also found time for enjoyment, including weekend trips to the Louisiana Hayride where he saw a young Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash at the beginning of their careers. He always worked hard for his family whom he loved very much. He was very proud of his five sons and his daughter Julie. He achieved some special accomplishments in his life, including attaining his private pilot's license in the 1970's and going to Hawaii with his wife Gloria where they renewed their wedding vows on their 40th wedding anniversary. He also enjoyed driving his Ford Ranger truck until his retirement. Jim is survived by his wife Gloria, their children: James Richard Harrison, Jr., William David DeWitt Harrison, Michael Gerard Harrison, Brian Andrew Harrison, John Paul Harrison, and Julie Rosanne Mikel; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and his sister Donna Taylor of Jacksonville, Texas. His Catholic faith was important and a comfort to him. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation - www.parkinson.org.
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