Senate Resolution 6

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE OF QUITMAN COUNTY JUSTICE COURT JUDGE, JAMES EDWARD HARRIS, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE SENATE ON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, Quitman County Justice Court Judge (Northern District), James Edward Harris, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Judge Harris was a native of Marks, Mississippi; he was a graduate of Quitman County High School, received his Bachelors Degree from Jackson State University, attended the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and Leadership Development at Tougaloo College; and

WHEREAS, Judge Harris was an inspiration to all fellow members of the Mount Zion M.B. Church, where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Superintendent of Sunday School, Chairman of the Retention Committee, Sunday School Teacher and member of the Mass Choir and Male Chorus; and

WHEREAS, prior to his election in November 2003, Judge Harris was a law enforcement professional with over 24 years of law enforcement, correctional and senior management experience; and

WHEREAS, beginning in 1995 he served as Senior Manager of Operation and Security for the Shelby County, Tennessee, Division of Corrections, having general supervision of approximately 600 correctional professionals and the care and custody of 3500 inmates, handling a $15 Million operational budget, representing Shelby County Government in labor negotiations with employees, and representing the division in matters before Criminal and General Session Courts; prior to this position, Judge Harris served as Senior Manager of the Mark Luttrell Reception Center, Tennessee Department of Corrections; prior to this position, he served as Unit Supervisor for the maximum security unit at the Arkansas Department of Corrections in Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and prior to this position, he served as Senior Manager for Security Personnel and the Inmate Disciplinary Program at the Mississippi Department of Corrections, and was employed at a privately contracted job corps center in Jackson, Mississippi; and prior to this service, Judge Harris served as a Correction Officer at the Mississippi State Penitentiary; he began his career teaching physical education classes at the Quitman County Junior High School; and

WHEREAS, Judge Harris leaves as survivors a devoted friend, Alma Harris; one daughter, Tracy (Clarence) White; one son, Anthony (Teresa) Harris; one sister, Zelma H. Cole; brothers Luster Harris and Willie Harris; four grandchildren, C.J., Tameeriah, Anthony, Jr. and Joshua; nieces, cousins and many close friends; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this public official and dedicated public servant who was an asset to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and dedicated public service of Quitman County Justice Court Judge James Edward Harris, of Marks, Mississippi, and express to his surviving family the sympathy of the Senate on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Judge Harris and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.