James Edward “Butch” Harris
June 25th, 1952 - May 8th, 2024
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Butch's Obituary
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 7th, 2024, James (Butch) Harris passed away surrounded by family and friends after an all-too-brief battle with lung cancer.
Butch was born and raised in Coloma (Hagar Beach), Michigan, with his siblings: Jean, Ray, Eunice, and Linda Kay. From a young age, Butch had a great sense of humor, rarely taking things too seriously, and would talk at length with anyone. Both of these characteristics would follow him throughout his life.
Another thing Butch was known for was his strong work ethic. People were constantly surprised by his ability to work rings around multiple people half his age and lived by the idea: if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right the first time. Butch had a long career in the die cast industry, working as a set-up man, pot tender, operator, and, with his greatest pride, as a floor supervisor at Harbor Die Cast in Benton Harbor. He worked at True Die Cast, Premier Die Cast, and Shoreline.
While working at Shoreline, Butch met, fell in love with, and married the love of his life, RoseMarie, his Rosie-girl. The two were married on June 18th, 1998, at the courthouse in St. Joseph. The two were inseparable for the next 25 years. Always hugging, kissing, holding hands, and just enjoying each other's company, their family and friends often joked that the two were more like boyfriend and girlfriend than husband and wife. The two never lost the spark that made them fall in love.
Butch would later work at Gast, Elison, Pero Family Farms, and SMP where he made many friends. He would meet his best friend, Hector, while at Pero. Hector would fondly refer to Butch as his abuelo.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents, James and Virginia Harris; stepdaughter Chris Robinson; brother Ray Harris; daughter Jessica (Polyee) Harris; and sister Jean Litiker. Butch is survived by: his wife RoseMarie (Rosie) Harris; stepdaughter Angelica (Angel) Robinson; stepson Eric Robinson; son James (Due) Harris; grandson Sebastian; grandson Trevor; granddaughter Madison (Maddie); granddaughter Natalie; grandson Zachary (Zach); and grandson Michael. Great grandchildren: Carter; Eleanor; Lanie; and Jazzlin.Butch loved his dogs, and two of them, Baby and Jack, lived to be 15 years old because of his love and how much he spoiled them. His dogs, Baby, Jack, Yuki, and Zoe, crossed the rainbow bridge prior to Butch's own passing. King, a chunky pit bull and black lab mix rescued by Butch, became the last dog he would own and love.
Cremation has already taken place, and a celebration of life will take place in June at the family's home. Those interested in attending can contact Angel for further details.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to help cover final expenses. Though neither flowers nor donations are expected, anything to help out would be greatly appreciated.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com.
Butch was born and raised in Coloma (Hagar Beach), Michigan, with his siblings: Jean, Ray, Eunice, and Linda Kay. From a young age, Butch had a great sense of humor, rarely taking things too seriously, and would talk at length with anyone. Both of these characteristics would follow him throughout his life.
Another thing Butch was known for was his strong work ethic. People were constantly surprised by his ability to work rings around multiple people half his age and lived by the idea: if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right the first time. Butch had a long career in the die cast industry, working as a set-up man, pot tender, operator, and, with his greatest pride, as a floor supervisor at Harbor Die Cast in Benton Harbor. He worked at True Die Cast, Premier Die Cast, and Shoreline.
While working at Shoreline, Butch met, fell in love with, and married the love of his life, RoseMarie, his Rosie-girl. The two were married on June 18th, 1998, at the courthouse in St. Joseph. The two were inseparable for the next 25 years. Always hugging, kissing, holding hands, and just enjoying each other's company, their family and friends often joked that the two were more like boyfriend and girlfriend than husband and wife. The two never lost the spark that made them fall in love.
Butch would later work at Gast, Elison, Pero Family Farms, and SMP where he made many friends. He would meet his best friend, Hector, while at Pero. Hector would fondly refer to Butch as his abuelo.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents, James and Virginia Harris; stepdaughter Chris Robinson; brother Ray Harris; daughter Jessica (Polyee) Harris; and sister Jean Litiker. Butch is survived by: his wife RoseMarie (Rosie) Harris; stepdaughter Angelica (Angel) Robinson; stepson Eric Robinson; son James (Due) Harris; grandson Sebastian; grandson Trevor; granddaughter Madison (Maddie); granddaughter Natalie; grandson Zachary (Zach); and grandson Michael. Great grandchildren: Carter; Eleanor; Lanie; and Jazzlin.Butch loved his dogs, and two of them, Baby and Jack, lived to be 15 years old because of his love and how much he spoiled them. His dogs, Baby, Jack, Yuki, and Zoe, crossed the rainbow bridge prior to Butch's own passing. King, a chunky pit bull and black lab mix rescued by Butch, became the last dog he would own and love.
Cremation has already taken place, and a celebration of life will take place in June at the family's home. Those interested in attending can contact Angel for further details.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to help cover final expenses. Though neither flowers nor donations are expected, anything to help out would be greatly appreciated.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com.
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