James F. Harris,

MONONA - A deeply spiritual man, Jim had unwavering faith in family, friends, and humanity. Jim instilled in his family the ability to see the best in people, no matter what their flaws, and focus on the good. He was compassionate and embraced life. Jim led by example and taught his family to laugh often and to love deeply. Jim was a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to those of us lucky enough to have known him. He was also a volunteer, a humanitarian, a lover of nature, an inquisitive scholar, an ordained minister, a teacher, a leader, and a genuinely warm and caring man. Jim was born March 15, 1935, in Scranton, Pa., to Mildred and David Harris. He was older brother to Donald Harris and Arlene Harris Lefchak. Jim was married to the love of his life, Marilyn, for 53 years. He adored his three daughters, Melanie, Chris, and Marjorie, and was the proud Grandfather "Gaga" to his five grandchildren, Jenna, Elizabeth, Kathryn, Harrison, and Justin. A graduate of West Scranton High School, he served as President of his class in 1953 and co-captain of his football team. Jim received a full football scholarship to Duke University and graduated in 1958. He later graduated from Yale Divinity School. Jim was most passionate about his work in corporate philanthropy and charitable organizations including the Salvation Army, United Way, and UNICEF. He also championed programs that enabled underprivileged teenagers in Harlem to have access to higher education. Jim will always be remembered for his kind and loving heart, love of friends and family, sense of humor, and humanitarian spirit. Jim passed away on April 27, 2011, after a long battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May19, 2011. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations to: www.childsvoiceschool.org (oral-deaf school for teaching deaf children to communicate) www.hospice.org Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations to: www.childsvoiceschool.org (oral-deaf school for teaching deaf children to communicate) www.hospice.org Service: Amemorial service will be held at FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May19, 2011.