Harris, James Stephen

James Stephen Harris, 61, of Atkins, died Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at his home after a 15-month-battle with pancreatic cancer. Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Hiawatha, by the Rev. Neil Manternach. A vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Teahen Funeral Home where friends may visit from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Friday at the church.

James is survived by his wife, Diane; three children, Jim (Jenny) of Cedar Rapids, Jyl (Chad) Morgan of Palo, and John (Janette) of Cedar Rapids; eight grandchildren, Jordan, Mackenzie, Madelynn, Jay, John, Delaney, Brooklynne and Macksyn; mother, Kathryn of Cedar Rapids; sister, Linda (Larry) McVay of Cedar Rapids; mother-in-law, Rose Matus of Cedar Rapids; two brothers-in-law, Danny (Carol) Matus of Marion and Bill (Jan) Matus of Atkins; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and his loving dog, Ginger.

He was preceded in death by his father, James; sister, Sharon Jochim; brother-in-law, Rick Jochim; father-in-law, Edward Matus; and brother-in-law, Guy Matus.

James was born April 28, 1951, in Cedar Rapids, the son of James and Kathryn (Lane) Harris. He graduated from LaSalle High School in 1969. James married Diane Matus on Aug. 22, 1970, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. He worked as a conductor for Union Pacific Railroad for 41 years, retiring in 2011.

Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of Mercy.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

Published in The Gazette May 2, 2012.