James "Pat" Harris

James "Pat" Harris, 87, of Murphysboro, Illinois, left to be with the Lord and his family and friends at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2011, at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, Illinois. His body has been cremated and a gravesite memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Tower Grove Cemetery with Father Gary Gummersheimer officiating, and military services will be conducted by the American Legion Post # 127, V.F.W. Posts # 7190 and 2605, and the Jackson County D.A.V. Chapter # 69. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rehab and Care Center of Jackson County, St. Joseph Hospital or St. Andrew Catholic Church. Pettett Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements and for more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com. James was born on January 28, 1924, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to James A. "Red" Harris and Amelia Ann (Baskin) Harris. He was a graduate of the Murphysboro Township High School. Mr. Harris proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his military service, he also proudly served on the Executive Board as the Vice President and as President of the U.A. Local # 160 of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, where he was a member for sixty-four years. He was a proud Life Member of the V.F.W. Post # 7190, a past Post All State Commander, a past 15th District Commander, and a past Department of IL Commander. He was a Life Member of the Elks Lodge # 572. Pat married M. Michele "Mikki" Runion on October 23, 1981. After retirement, they moved to Port Charlotte, FL, in 1986, and she preceded him in death on March 28, 2011. He is survived by one son and daughter in law Craig and Anita Harris of Murphysboro; one step son Brett Runion of Carbondale; one step daughter and her husband Carol Ann Runion-Ogloza and Voytek Ogloza of California; three grandchildren Angela Wiarda and her husband Todd Wiarda of Murphysboro, Jimmy Harris and his wife Dena Harris of Clinton, IL, and John Harris and his girl friend Mandy Tindall of Murphysboro; seven step grandchildren Talon, Aubrey, Navar, Pele, Kiki, and Chui Ogloza of California and Mara of FL; four great grandchildren Britney Driskell, Kelsey Driskell, Kyler Harris, and Elayna Harris; a nephew Bob Burns and his wife Cricket Burns of Marquette Heights, IL and several great nieces and nephews; and special friends Dave and Susie Biggs, Randy and Jean Desjardins, Nancy Hoye, Gerry and Veronica Vieux, Nancy Patchen, Mel Berger, and many new friends at the Rehab and Care Center of Jackson County, and at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, one sister and one nephew. Pat will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered!

James "Pat" Harris

January 24, 1924 - December 1, 2011