James (Jim) Arthur Harris III, age 63

James (Jim) Arthur Harris III, 63, of Cabot, AR passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, at the UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.

James Arthur Harris III was born on August 20th, 1960, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to William Harvey Harris II and Sondra Ann Sala Harris. He grew up in Muskogee and Fort Gibson, OK, and attended Oklahoma State University, Hendrix College, and U of A Fayetteville. He graduated with a civil engineering degree and spent 30 years as a loyal employee of W&W|AFCO Steel. His career began with an internship, and he was serving as the Senior Vice President of Contracts for the Bridge Division at the time of his death. He was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineers in the spring of 2017. Jim’s expertise in the steel industry and his ability to connect, build, and maintain relationships with people will be missed.

Jim was the epitome of a modern-day cowboy. His backpack held his earthly possessions, his Honda truck was his trusty steed, and he enjoyed the open road. He has been described as a “Renaissance Man”, surprising everyone he knew with just how much mastery he had over several subjects and skills. Jim was the consummate competitor (especially if there was money on the table) from billiards to chess to his regular golf games; and his mixed doubles tennis team will miss his competitive spirit. He was an avid reader, and he was also a gifted visual artist, jewelry maker, and woodworker. Jim also enjoyed hunting (“If it flies, it dies!”) and fishing with his family and friends. The past 6 years brought him the brand new role of ‘Chum’ to the grandchildren who are the light of his life.

Jim is survived by his wife, Camille Kagy Harris; step-daughter Bradey Camille Baltz (Matthew); former spouse Leslie Sanders Harris; son William Harvey Harris III; daughter Lucy Ann Kerr (Andrew); two grandchildren, Lilith and Kyle Kerr; mother Sondra Harris; sister Elizabeth Harris Leeds (Rusty); nephew Garrett Leeds; nieces Katie Leeds, Grace Whitson (Tyler); nephews Patrick (Monica) Conley, Ryan Conley; niece Kathleen Conley; and two loving, loyal yellow dogs, Camber and Banshee. Jim also had countless friends and co-workers who will miss his checking in on them (of course, it was a last-minute drop-in!) and his constant and unswerving support.

The family would like to thank Jim’s clients (Mike Kiggins and John Kalvelage) who were with him and tried valiantly to revive him the night he died.

In honor of Jim an Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineers James A. Harris Endowed Scholarship has been established. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to UA Foundation AACE James A. Harris Scholarship Fund.

A Celebration of Life- Jim Harris Memorial Service will be held Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Hidden Willows, 2770 South 2nd Street, Cabot, AR 72023

Followed by food, spirits, cigars & fellowship @ the Overlook at Cypress Creek

34 Cypress Creek Crossing, Cabot, AR 72023.

The attire will be Jim attire, pants (khakis/ jeans), vest, boots, hats, and bonus points if you wear green. Rumor, has it suits and ties will not be allowed as that is not what Jim would have wanted.

We also will be requesting anyone that wants to speak on their relationship/ history/ experience with Jim to share.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com