James Melvin Harris

James Melvin Harris (lovingly known as “PapPap”), formerly of Claysville, Pennsylvania, most recently residing in Virginia, passed peacefully on November 22, 2020, at his home surrounded by those he loved most.
He was born into a life of orneriness on August 6, 1924, to James and Esty Harris.
He loved few things more in life than spearmint leaves candy, peanut butter, candy corn, Shorty’s hot dogs, candy, sweets, and more candy.
He spent his life as a farmer and his retirement as a grandfather to Jamie, his best friend and bully that could get him to do almost anything...and bully him she did.
Notable memories include rolling down his own window in a car wash and then insisting someone else did it, shaving off one of his grandson-in-law’s sideburns during a haircut gone awry, getting the nervous pees on the way to his granddaughter’s elopement ceremony, making the bride and groom late to their own wedding,  and making snide remarks and then smugly turning off his hearing aid so he couldn’t hear the reply.
His passions included all yard work, especially mowing the grass for hours on end to get some peace and quiet, feeding all of the local critters including his own dogs, the heat that was only hot enough if it was “90 in the shade”, and any activity involving his great-grandchildren.
Activities he was bullied into by his unrelenting granddaughter and only semi-enjoyed involved:  many road trips (usually to a beach), getting pedicures, zoo trips, and nature hikes that usually involved narrowly avoiding being thrown from his wheelchair that he used rarely in his latest years, as well as visits to his granddaughter’s home to be forced to do more things he dreaded - like baking.
His stubbornness and contagious smile will be sorely missed. He was the definition of hardworking, determined, and quick-witted - even well into his 90s.
He joins on the other side wife Katherine Lilley Harris, brothers Oak, Ed, Frank, Wade, and Vernon Harris as well as sisters Lena McCalmont, Leona, and Margaret Harris. He will have his hands full with his great-grand baby, nicknamed "Kiwi", miscarried in 2017.
Those left trying to figure out how to create trouble without him are, Daughter Kathy (Squeak), and her husband Jim (Yo-Yo), as well as their daughter Jamie (Squirt), her husband Scotty, and their 4 stubborn children created in their PapPap's likeness Kolton, Tinson, Harbour, and Poppy Wilson-Houghtalen.
Following his wishes, there will be no public service. He is being interred at West Alexander Cemetery.
His family respectfully requests that loved ones and strangers alike enjoy copious amounts of candy in his honor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Melvin Harris, please visit our floral store.