James Whipple Harris ’49

OUR CLASS lost a stalwart member when cancer claimed the life of Jim Harris at his home in Jackson, Miss., on Oct. 8, 1992.

Jim was born Feb. 16, 1925, in Wellington, Kans., but lived most of his life in Jackson. After graduating from Jackson Central High in 1943, he joined the Marines and served until 1946, as a sergeant in the Pacific during WWII, participating in strategic invasions and earning two battle stars.

At Princeton, Jim majored in economics, graduating with honors, and was treasurer of WhigClio and a member of Tiger Inn. Following Princeton, he began his career in the petroleum industry as an engineer for Schlumberger Oil Services in Venezuela, and later worked as a sales engineer in Abilene, Tex. Jim married Marilyn Perkins in Feb. 1951, and over the years they had three sons. In the '50s he founded a number of oil equipment rental businesses in Abilene, and in 1962 he returned to Jackson, a an independent oil operator. During his career, he was president of Venture Oil Corp., Cayman Energy, and James W Harris Production Corp. He was president of the MidContinent Oil and Gas Assn. from 1970 to 1972.

Active in church and civic affairs, Jim was a member of the Capitol City Petroleum Club, the River Hills Club of Jackson, and the Mississippi Museum of Art.

In addition to Marilyn, Jim is survived by their three sons, James E., Stephen T., and Michael P; a brother, Gene; and two granddaughters. We extend our profound sympathies to Jim's family at the loss of this very fine gentleman and proud Princetonian.

The Class of 1949