Mr. James Reeves was born on February 11, 1943, in Milledgeville, Georgia to the late Mrs. Francis E. Harris and Mr. Alfred Reeves, Sr. He was raised in the home by his mother Mrs. Francis E. Smith and his bonus dad Mr. Joe Nathan Smith.

Later in his life, Mr. James Reeves changed his name legally to James Harris Sr. This established the name known to many people throughout the community. In his life, he was affectionately known as “Skid”.

He attended the public schools of the community through the 6th grade, his formal education. He received his informal education through decades of on-the-job experience including but not limited to working at Watts Pool Hall in downtown Milledgeville, GA, Firefighter for CSH, manager and overseer of the Ebony Lounge Club, and Owner of James Fish & Chicken, along with his late wife Mrs. Bobbie Jean Harris.

He married the love of his life Bobbie Jean Banks Harris in 1961. Their love thrived for 56 years until her death. He was the patriarch of the Smith/Harris family. Known as a man of few words, but many heartwarming smiles. He had a quiet strength and determination that represented the respect he held for his family and the community.

As a self-taught entrepreneur, he opened James Fish & Chicken in 1981 and served his community for over 40 years. He was well known for uplifting others and participating in other organizations. He took extreme pride in his annual participation in Ramadan, acknowledging his Muslim faith.

Mr. James Harris Sr. departed on the morning of December 28, 2024, surrounded by loved ones; he was called by his maker to be reunited with his loved ones that transitioned before him.

Mr. James Harris Sr is preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Harris, daughter, Janice Scott, and grandchildren, Stavius Jenkins, Shontaye Jenkins, and Jalisa Scott.

James Harris Sr. is survived by two daughters, Jackie Harris-May and Ouida Harris-Carr; one son, Pastor James (Akia) Harris Jr.; one brother, Alfred Reeves, Jr. of Long Beach, California; three sisters, Phyllis V. King, Mary F. Smith, and Sharon (Marion) Lango; four sisters-in-law, Christine Banks, Diane (Albert) Scott, Linda Smith, and Angela Smith; one son-in-law, Michael Scott; seventeen grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and an abundance of relatives and friends.