Harrison

James R. “Jim” Harrison, 90, a former resident of South Buffalo Township, Pa., passed on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, surrounded by the love of his immediate family.

Born April 15, 1933, in Keyser, W.Va., Jim came of age in Moorefield, W.Va., where his parents managed the Hotel McNeill and owned Harrison's Restaurant for many years. It was here he developed his lifelong passion for fishing, spending many hours along the South Branch of the Potomac River. After high school graduation, Jim served three years in the U.S. Navy before going on to receive his bachelor's degree in business administration from Shepherd College. He then embarked on a career in teaching, first in Prince George's County, Md., before spending the majority of his career in Buffalo Township, Pa.

Jim touched countless lives as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher and a Little League Baseball coach, helping kids navigate the difficulties of growing up through his kind and affable demeanor and constant willingness to invest himself in their personal development. Jim also was an extremely talented builder, and he performed most of the construction renovation work on the home in South Buffalo where he lived for more than 30 years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lena and James Marvin “Red” Harrison; his older sister, Marjorie Collins; and his younger brothers, Ed and Dick.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karin (Claypool) Harrison; son, Christopher and his wife, Tiffany; grandchildren, Keira and Blake; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

HARRISON — A celebration of the life of James R. “Jim” Harrison, who died Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 24, 2024, at Slate Lick Presbyterian Church, 106 Brown Road, Slate Lick, Pa., with an informal lay memorial service and remembrances starting at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Jim’s name be sent to Trout Unlimited, Seneca Branch No. 272, 242 Sartwell Creek Road, Port Allegany, PA 16743.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.