Jess William Harris

MASON CITY: Jess William Harris, 76, of Mason City, died Friday, July 2, 2010 at the Good Shepherd Health Center. Memorial services will be at 5:00 PM, Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Rev. Keith Scott officiating. There will be a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the church service. Inurnment will be at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Omaha, NE. Memorials may be directed to the Jess Harris memorial fund in care of the family.

Jess was born March 30, 1934 in Omaha, NE, the son of George and Jessie Marie (Smith) Harris. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs, IA and attended University of Omaha. Jess served in the U.S. Army from January 1957 December 1958. He married Virginia L. Rosberg on April 25, 1959 in Omaha. Together they moved to Mason City in 1959. He worked for the IRS as a field agent for 32 years and later operated an Income Tax Service. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, MENSA Society, The National Association for Amateur Radio, and the National Association of Federal Employees where he served as Vice President. He was a volunteer for the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Snells Ambulance Service in Mason City where he was an EMT for 30 years. Jess was also an Amateur Radio Operator and was involved in citizen patrol activities. Jess enjoyed reading he never went anywhere without a book. He also enjoyed trips to Mexico and playing Black Jack.

Jess is survived by his wife of 51 years: Virginia Harris of Mason City; three daughters: Julie Hupp and husband Evan of Ely, IA, Nancy Sullivan and husband Shawn of Blue Springs, MO, and Sally Henderson and husband Phil of Spring, TX; 8 grandchildren; one brother in-law: Paul Urban of Council Bluffs, IA; special family friend: Mary Duggan of Mason City. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother in infancy, and a sister: Ruth Urban.

Memorials:
Memorials may be directed to the Jess Harris memorial fund in care of the family

Cemetery:
Inurnment will be at the Bohemian National Cemetery in Omaha, NE

Visitation:
There will be a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the church service

Service:
Memorial services will be at 5:00 PM, Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at Wesley United Methodist Church