John Richard Harris

John “Richard” Harris, age 69, passed away on November 2, 2015 at his home in Fort Jones, California. Richard was born October 4, 1946 in Richmond, California to James Gerald Harris and Mary Elizabeth (Witt) Harris. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Sacramento. After graduation from high school, Richard attended American River College and later Chico State College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Throughout his life, Richard was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and just taking in the beauty of the great outdoors. He also loved sports (particularly baseball), reading and music but his greatest love was his family. At the age of 19, Richard met Jeanette Ceccon and according to him, “knew he had found the one.” Richard and Jeanette married on November 23, 1974 in Willows, California and their union produced four children of whom Richard was immensely proud. Richard had a strong sense of duty to his family, a love for his country and a deep belief in God. He was large in stature but even bigger in heart. He was fortunate enough to grow up in an era when respect, honor and a simpler way of life was still the norm. Wanting those same things for his family, he moved them to Scott Valley in 1984 the area where his forefathers had moved to in the 1800s. He spent many wonderful times in the valley hunting, visiting, and camping in Carter Meadows. As his ancestors before him, he was drawn to the mountains where he found a connection with nature and a peace within that the city could not provide. Richard is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jeanette; four children: Jim Harris (Michelle), Preston Harris (Jill), Richie Harris (Niki) and Tom Harris (Julia); nine grandchildren: Elizabeth, Clayton, Peter, Kory, Molly, Adeline, Oscar, Sam, and Hannah with three more grandbabies on the way; a brother, Jim Harris (Carole) of Red Bluff and; a sister, Nancy Stone (Dan) of Fort Jones. In addition, Richard leaves many beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at the Etna Cemetery in Etna, California. A celebration of life will be held immediately following at the Masonic Hall in Fort Jones, California located at 11931 East Street, Fort Jones, California. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scott Valley Scholarship Fund on behalf of Richard Harris at P.O. Box 352, Etna, California 96027.

John Richard Harris

October 4, 1946 - November 2, 2015