James Walter ‘Jim’ Harris

Published 9:26 am Thursday, October 14, 2021

James Walter “Jim” Harris, 64, of Mocksville, died on Oct. 9, 2021 from Novant Medical Center in Forsyth County.

He was born on March 15, 1957 in Davie County, son of Mary Harris and the late Rayford Carl Harris.  He was also preceded in death by his uncles, Olen Harris, Bert Harris, Mon Harris and Roy Harris; and his aunt, Vena Harris.

He graduated from Davie County High School with the class of 1975. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from East Carolina University. He started employment as a teenager at Davie Auto Parts. He learned many facets of the business starting as a counterman, the redistribution division of Davie Parts Warehouse, and the purchasing department. He was promoted director of sales and service of the paint, body, and equipment area of the automotive market. He managed the sales and servicing to approximately 150 independent jobber customers as well as to the 24 company-owned stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. After the merger with O’Reilly Auto Parts in 2002, he served as district manager where he managed the employees, sales and operations at 14 company-owned locations. Years later he returned as store manager in Mocksville due to a decline in health. He held that position until his health would no longer allow him to continue. He had a long and successful career in the auto parts industry, where he never met a stranger and developed great relationships with suppliers, customers, and co-workes. He was well-known and respected throughout the automotive industry.

He married Linda Lee Ellen (Yezarski) Harris in Pitt County in 1983. They had three daughters. He was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church where he was an usher. He loved his family and being “Papa.”  He enjoyed fishing and was a fan of Duke basketball, watching or attending all of their games.

Survivors: his mother, Mary Harris; his wife, Linda Harris of Mocksville; 3 daughters, Brooke Harris-Hardee (Jeremy) of Calabash, Amber Harris (Chase Pender) of Greensboro, and Carla Harris (Brandon Enoch) of Greensboro; a brother, Tommy Harris (Cindy) of Mocksville; sisters, Patty Tutterow (Claude) of Mocksville, Jody Pack (Stan) of Mocksville, and Becca Creason of Salisbury; grandchildren, Skye, Forrest, Jameson, and Coy Hardee; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 15 at Davie Funeral Service of Mocksville from 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salisbury, officiated by Father A.J. Gallant.

Memorials: American Heart Association or Davie Kidney Center/Wake Forest Baptist Health.