James Craig “Chip” Harris, 68, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on June 9th, 2026. He was born May 12, 1958, in Speedway, Indiana, the son of Dr. James C. Harris, MD, and Georgia May Harris. 

He was preceded in death by his parents. Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Barbara Mowry Harris; daughters Katie (Juan) Avendano of Oviedo, Spain, and Julia (Michael) Bradshaw of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren Eliza and Andy Bradshaw, and Emma and Oliver Harris Avendano; sisters Carla Shaffer, Cindy (Scott) Lewis, and Theresa (Bob) Anderson; brother Tim Harris; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

As the oldest of five, Jim was the quintessential big brother to his younger siblings. The loss of their mother when she was only 44 strengthened the bond between them. His siblings have looked up to him throughout their lives for his steadiness, guidance, and love.

Jim grew up in Carmel, Indiana. He earned a BS in Business/Accounting from Indiana University in 1980.He spent two summers during college working at Yosemite National Park. A Certified Public Accountant, Jim enjoyed a long career as a finance and accounting executive for both Fortune 500 and family - owned companies. His first professional opportunity after college with Teledyne fulfilled a childhood dream to live in California, where he met and married Barbara in Los Angeles. They later settled in Germantown, Tennessee, where they spent 34 years and raised their two daughters.

Jim and Barbara retired to Huntsville, AL seven years ago, where their daughter Julia and her family live. They also enjoyed frequent visits with Katie and her family in Spain. Jim’s retirement was filled with the things he loved most: traveling, music, sports, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was always up for any fun adventure with the grandkids maintaining his childlike playfulness his whole life. He was an incredible father and an even better “Pops.”

Jim was a true concert enthusiast, attending 448 concerts over the course of his life. True to his accountant’s nature, he carefully tracked them all. His love of live music led him to see some of his favorite artists and events over the years, including The Rolling Stones 12 times, The Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, and the 1982 US Festival featuring The Police, The B - 52s, and Pat Benatar. In retirement, he worked in guest services at music venues and festivals around Huntsville so he could stay close to the music, the energy, and the people he loved.

A devoted Indiana University fan and huge March Madness fanatic, Jim rarely missed a game. College basketball season, especially March, was one of his favorite times of the year. He also maintained an active March Madness bracket pool with friends, family, and former coworkers, bringing together people from different parts of his life through his love of the game.

He enjoyed planning trips with family including his last trip in March where he and Barbara took 23 family members including kids, grandkids, siblings, and nieces on a Caribbean cruise for one last hurrah creating memories they will always cherish.

While living in Germantown, Jim and Barbara were members of Faith Presbyterian Church where Jim served as both deacon and elder at various times. After moving to Huntsville, they joined Southwood Presbyterian Church where Jim served in a variety of ways from making coffee, greeting, volunteering in the nursery, and helping to create resources for the church. He also served as a Champion with Jobs for Life - an organization that provides people who are underemployed with a community that challenges them to be the best workers that God has created them to be.

Jim will be remembered for his unwavering faith, steady presence, generous spirit, and deep devotion to his family. He often said how grateful he was for Barbara, his daughters, his sons - in - law, his four grandchildren, the trips they shared, and the friendships that grew from his work and community. His family is comforted knowing that he is now home with his Father in Heaven.

Visitation will be Friday, June 19th at 10 AM at Southwood Presbyterian Church, 1000 Carl T. Jones Drive Huntsville, AL. A Celebration of Life service will follow at Southwood Presbyterian at 11 AM, officiated by Pastor Will Spink. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Southwood Presbyterian Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please share memories and condolences for the family in the guestbook.