James Arthur Harris

James Arthur Harris, 97, of Topeka, died Wednesday, November 09, 2011 at home. James was born May 30, 1914 on a farm outside of Marysville, Kansas the son of James A. and Minnie (Bornhorst) Harris. He was a farmer and stockman in the Marysville and Frankfort communities. He also worked for the Marshall County Road and Bridge Department for several years before retirement. James was a decorated veteran of World War II, and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #181 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1359. James was married to Idella Marie Eckstein on May 25, 1944 at St. Gregory Catholic Church in Marysville. She preceded him in death on August 17, 2002. He is survived by sons, Bob (Mary Teresa) of Centralia, Tom of Grapevine, TX., John (JoAnn) of Topeka, daughters, Mary (Bill) Bare of Yukon, OK., and Ruth Ann (Karl) Stadler of Topeka. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. James will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home after 2:00 p.m. Sunday. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Graveside service with Full Military Honors provided by Ft. Riley Military Detail will be at 2:30 p.m. at St. Gregory Catholic Cemetery in Marysville. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care or Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.