James (Jim) K. Harrison's Obituary
Col. James Kenneth Harrison, USAR (Ret) passed away June 7, 2008 surrounded by his family, he was 83.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Iva Irene Willis and Bert Kenneth Harrison; a brother, Bert Harrison; and a son, James Kenneth Harrison Jr. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Elaine Pearce Harrison; a brother, Fred Harrison; his son and daughter-in-law, Douglas Wayne and Marian Gautreaux Harrison; and two grandchildren, Bradley Kenneth and Natalie Marian Harrison.
He was born September 11, 1924 in Mineral Wells, Texas; he resided in Covington for the past 48 years. Harrison began college at the University of California at Berkley, but his studies were interrupted by World War II. Before being deployed to Europe he met his wife, Elaine Pearce, while stationed in Baton Rouge at Harding Field.
Harrison was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II and the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He obtained the rank of full Colonel. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 16 oak leaf clusters for combat action in Europe flying a P-47 Thunderbolt. He participated in the D-Day invasion. Harrison graduated from Louisiana State University with a Master's degree in Geology. He worked as a geologist for Shell Oil Company for 32 years and was an early pioneer in the company's use of computer technology. Harrison was a member of First United Methodist Church of Covington. He was one of the founders of Boy Scout Troop 110 in Covington and served as the troop's Scoutmaster for seven years. Harrison was a Ham radio operator and a member of the Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) for 55 years. He was a past president of St. Tammany Historical Society and Playmakers. James Kenneth Harrison was a warm, loving, and thoughtful person who loved his family and always put others first. He is admired and respected by all who knew him and will be deeply missed.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 3:00 PM from E.J. Fielding Funeral Home Inc., 2260 W. 21st. Ave., Covington, LA 70433.
Visitation on Wednesday from 1:00 PM until service time.
Interment in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations may be made to the James Kenneth Harrison, Jr. Scholarship Fund at LSU Law School.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?