James Robert Harris Jr. was born July 14, 1944 to James Robert Sr. and Andelo (Compton) Harris and passed away August 7, 2026 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 82 years old.

Jim graduated high school and eventually met and married Mary Lou Clements on November 29, 1969 in Dexter, Missouri. He was a life-long resident of southeast Missouri and worked as manager and drove in transportation at KFC for over 40 years. Jim was a member of the Friendship Baptist church with his family and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Jim was in the EMA-Emergency Management Association, the fair board, and enjoyed his ham radio. He had licenses to talk and a license to do morse code and amazingly talked to people far away on those air waves. Jim will be missed tremendously.

He had one son, James (Tammy) Harris III from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, five grandchildren; James R. Harris the 4th, Kyle Dwane Harris, Chloe Dawn Harris, Troy (Ashley) Hampton all from Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Mitchell Hampton from Lilbourn, Missouri, two great grandchildren, Sophia Hampton and Raylan Hampton. One sister Judith Ann Bamburge from Springfield, Missouri and many many more friends and neighbors.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.

Following the visitation is a dinner at the Friendship Baptist Church. Hope all will attend.

www.watkinsfuneralhome.com