OAKVILLE- It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of James P. Harris Sr. age 81, shares news of his peaceful passing in the comfort of his home on Monday, December 29, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of his family. He was the devoted husband of Adeline (Varilek) Harris.

Jim was born on November 17, 1944, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the son of the late Walter and Margaret (Conley) Harris. Born into a close-knit family of eleven siblings, Jim learned early in life the enduring values of love, unity, and looking out for one another. These principles guided him throughout his life and work. He was a proud graduate of Sacred Heart High School where he excelled in football earning honorable mention of All American Honors. During his college years at Huron College, in South Dakota he studied physical education, it was at that time he met the love of his life Addie. During his Senior year in college he was awarded the Adirondak batting award for achieving a .428 batting average.

Jim devoted 42 remarkable years to Holy Cross High School, where he became a beloved and steady presence to generations of students. He began his career as a physical education teacher, inspiring young people not only to compete, but to grow in confidence, discipline, and character. Later, as Director of the Physical Plant, Jim continued to serve the school he loved with quiet dedication and pride. He was instrumental in helping establish Holy Cross’s football and baseball programs, leaving a lasting imprint on countless student-athletes who carried his lessons well beyond the field and into adulthood. His baseball teams amassed over 320 victories, 5 NVL, and numerous city titles. Jim’s contributions did not go unnoticed. Over the years, he was honored with several distinguished awards, including the Olympian Award, 1992 Connecticut High School Baseball Coach of the Year, and recognition from Sacred Heart High School, Holy Cross High School, and Waterbury Sportsman Club, acknowledgments he accepted humbly, always more focused on the people he served than on personal recognition.

Education was one of Jim’s great passions, second only to his devotion to family. He believed deeply in the power of higher education to open doors and change lives. That belief found expression through his involvement with organizations such as the Little Flower Fund and 1900 Club, where he worked tirelessly to help ensure that children of limited means were given the opportunity to pursue their dreams. At the heart of Jim’s life was his family. He treasured time spent with his beloved wife, Adeline, his devoted sons, and his grandchildren, who were a constant source of joy and pride. Family gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and easy companionship, were among his happiest moments and reflected the strong bonds that defined the Harris family.

Jim will be remembered as a devoted educator, a trusted mentor, and a loyal friend whose warmth and good humor brightened every room. Whether at the Hill Street Social Club, Washington Hill Club, The Cave, or Brown’s Irish Pub, his presence brought laughter, conversation, and a sense of belonging. A special place for over 5 decades was Domars Restaurant, a place where he made countless lifelong friends and memories. His legacy of faith, education, mentorship, and community will live on in the many lives he touched and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. Jim’s legacy will live on through the stories he told, the lessons he taught, and the love that he shared. His life was a testament to the power of love, the importance of family and honor of serving your community. May he find eternal rest and peace beyond measure and may he never be forgotten.

Left to honor his memory and cherish his legacy besides his wife of 57 years are his sons, Paul Harris and his wife Nichole of Lincoln, Nebraska and Michael Harris and his wife Veda of Oxford. He was predeceased by eldest son James Harris Jr. Jim also leaves his daughter-in-law Michelle Harris of Waterbury his 4 adoring grandchildren, Christian(Sarah), Regan(Carter), Ashley, and Kaylee Harris, his step-grandchildren Midhat, Viosa, and Valbona Mullai, in addition to his sisters; Rose (Todd)Monaghan, and Peggy Taylor. He also leaves many nieces and nephews as well as other extended family members and many friends who will carry forward his legacy of love, laughter, and kindness. Jim was predeceased by his 9 brothers and sisters; Dora Spada, Hazel Mercier, Bill Harris, Charles Harris, Ray Harris, Joseph Harris, Thomas Harris, David Harris, and Gladys Cipollone Gaudiosi. The family would like to thank the Accent Care hospice team including Sara C., Jacque, Tka, and a special thanks to Natrea for constant and steady loving care and support she provided to Jim and his family during his illness.

Funeral services for Mr. Harris will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church 74 W. Main St Waterbury. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in MT Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with the Harris family on Monday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705. For a complete obituary outlining Jim’s exceptional life and commitment to his students and community, please refer to the funeral home’s website.  To honor Jim’s memory and in lieu of flowers Memorial contributions to the 1900 Club Scholarship Fund c/o 1900 East Main St Waterbury CT 06705 or to the Little Flower Fund in C/O Blasius Chevrolet, PO Box 2510, Waterbury, CT 06723 would be greatly appreciated by his family. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you on the funeral home website. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com.