James Virgil Harris

James Virgil Harris, 86, formerly of Red Wing, died Monday, July 23, 2007, at the Briar Cliff Health Center in Tyler, Texas. He was born October 25, 1920 in Trimbelle Township, Wisconsin, to Mark and Margaret "Madge" (Ryan) Harris and graduated from Red Wing Central High in 1939. He enlisted in the US Navy in February of 1942 and served during WW II until he was honorably discharged in July 1943. He attended Montgomery Wards Business training and became a district manager for the company. He married Grace Nadeau on September 22, 1943 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Throughout his career, they lived in seven different states until retiring to Red Wing in 1978. Grace died January 17, 2005. He was a member of Church of St. Joseph, Burnson-Lillyblad VFW #1218, Leo C. Peterson American Legion #54 and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He received his pilot's license in 1965 and enjoyed fishing, gardening and making stained glass.

He is survived by two daughters, Linda (John) Satterwhite of Mesquite, Texas and Mary (Wayne) Jackson of Flint, Texas; 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Betty Freij of Red Wing and Joanne (Tom) Keute of Lake City; and 2 brothers, Tom (Rosie) Harris of Ava, Missouri and John Harris of Forsyth, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace and one sister, Alleyne Carlson.


Funeral mass will be 9:30 a.m. Thursday, August 2, 2007 at the Church of St. Joseph with Father Thomas M. Kommers presiding. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer's Research.