Bishop James H. Harrison, Sr.

II Timothy 4: 7-8

7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Bishop James Herman Harrison Sr., was born on February 5, 1940, in Eunice, Louisiana, to the late Walter Harrison, Sr., and Ruthie Allen Harrison.  He embraced Christ at a tender age under the guidance of the late Rev. Burley, alongside his siblings and cousins, James worshipped at the Church of God in Christ under the care of their grandmother, Mrs. Louverta Harrison.  James exhibited a steadfast faith in God from his youth, becoming known as a devout and prayerful individual.

Recognizing his spiritual calling, his grandmother prophesied and shared her conviction with her sister that James would become a preacher.  Despite his education being interrupted by family obligations when his father fell ill, James enlisted in the US Air Force in 1956 to support his mother.  On June 24, 1959 he entered holy matrimony with Helen Sias, his high school sweetheart, and together they were blessed with six children - three sons and three daughters.

In pursuit of education and better opportunities, James ventured to the Pacific Northwest, settling in Seattle, Washington.  He commenced his studies at Seattle Community College while also working diligently to provide for his family, initially at the University of Washington's loading docks and later in television repair shops.  It was during his tenure at the UW loading docks that James encountered Mrs.  Gladys Hardy, whose influence  guided him to a local church where he discovered a passion for quartet singing.  This pivotal moment marked the beginning of James's deep involvement in music ministry, where he found solace and purpose, contributing his voice to a quartet and engaging in heartfelt worship.

In 1964 James answered the call to ministry and preached his first message, taken from II Timothy3, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come", at Zion United House of Prayer under the tutelage of Bishop Eugene Drayton.  His spiritual journey led him to The Church of God in Christ Congregational under the mentorship of Bishop Robert F. Liddell, Sr. while maintaining his employment at Boeing as an airplane mechanic, James ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Jim's Auto Rebuild, a business he dedicated over 30 years to.

Throughout his life, Bishop Harrison exhibited unwavering dedication to his faith and community, particularly in nurturing the youth.  He held various roles within The Church of God in Christ Congregational, including Sunday School Superintendent, State Overseer, and eventually Bishop of the State of Washington.  His commitment extended beyond local boundaries as he faithfully attended the National Holy Convocation in East St. Louis Illinois, where he preached and mentored youth.

Despite facing illness in his later years, Bishop Harrison remained resolute in his faith, emphasizing the importance of continuous study and spiritual growth.  He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, affectionately known as "granddad" to his grandchildren.  Bishop Harrison was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers:  Walter, Jr., Robert Sam and Lloyd, D., three sisters: Mary D. McCoy, Fannie Eythell, and Ann Marie Davis, his son James H. Harrison, Jr., and great-grandson Kahmari.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 65 years, Helen Harrison, his children Sophia, Trisha, Roderick, Kenneth Sr. (Antoinette), and Louverta, as well as his brother Clarence (Belinda) of Fayetteville, NC, and sisters Bettye Turner of Oakland, CA, Tanya Harrison (In-Law) of Houston, TX and Joanne Johnson of Alameda, CA.  His memory lives on through Sixteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, who will forever treasure his legacy of faith, resilience, and love.

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