James "Jim" Harris

June 27, 1949 - May 12, 2022

James K. “Jim” Harris, age 72 of Bear Valley, Wisconsin died peacefully on Thursday, May 12, 2022, while turkey hunting. Jim was born on June 27, 1949, to Russell and Ruth (Dunaway) Harris. He graduated from Colby High School in 1967 and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served from 1968-1972, including a tour in Vietnam. After his discharge he attended college, graduating from UW La Crosse in 1976. He then started his teaching career at the Richland Middle School as a Health & Phy Ed. teacher where he taught for over 30 years. Jim loved sports, his favorite being football. He coached 25 years for the Richland Center Hornets & 17 years for the Ithaca Bulldogs, retiring in 2021. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2019. When he wasn’t busy coaching, Jim could be found hunting or fishing. He was known for his turkey calling skills, finding walleye, and knowing the perfect spot for a deer stand. Survivors include his wife of over 50 years, Kathy Harris; 2 daughters, Jodi (Brian) Clarson, Molly Harris; 3 grandchildren, Michael Clarson (Jamie), Chelsea Clarson (Justin), Brady Clarson (Brooke); great granddaughter, Ava Clarson; great grandson due in August; 4 siblings, Bob (Kathy) Harris, Peg Goeltz, Jane (Bob) Stoiber, Jack (Kathy) Harris; other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Rusty Harris; brother-in-law, Glen Goeltz; and Kathy’s parents. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center. The Local Military Honors Unit will provide military honors at 6:00 PM at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for a future scholarship or the Richland Center American Legion. www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com .