Passing of Life Member Jack I. Harris
 
By Assistant Chief Christopher Harris
February 6, 2018
 

The Union Bridge Fire Company is sad to announce the passing of Jack Harris, a life member of the company. Jack served as Assistant Chief for 20 years, under Chief Jack Gray. After retiring from riding emergency calls, Jack spent much of his time with his family and hunting.

Jack Irvin Harris, age 85, of Union Bridge, died Monday, February 5, 2018 at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, after a brief illness. Born July 19, 1932 in Union Bridge, he was the son of the late Wilson and Bessie Ricketts Harris. He was the husband of Betty Jane Bohn Harris who died in 2010.

Jack was a 1949 graduate of Elmer Wolfe High School. He was employed for 30+ years with Lehigh Portland Cement Co., Union Bridge, where he served as vice president of the United Cement Lime and Gypsum Workers Union. He was a member of the former Union Bridge United Methodist Church, life member of the Union Bridge Volunteer Fire Co. where he served as assistant chief for 20 years, member of the N.R.A. and of the Pipe Creek Bow Hunters. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, the outdoors, camping, visiting casinos and the beach with his sister, going to Mountain Gate restaurant with the Quesenberrys, watching Maryland Terrapin basketball and especially spending time with his family.

Surviving are sons, Michael R. Harris and wife Linn and Terry L. Harris and wife Sandy, all of Union Bridge; 4 grandchildren, Tim Harris and wife Jennifer, Holly Harris, Jason Harris and wife Alison and Jessica Bates and husband Josh; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Joan Brady of Frederick; brothers, Jerry Harris and wife Jean of Taneytown and James Harris and wife Darlene of Union Bridge; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Claude K. Bohn Jr. and wife Ruthanna of Union Bridge, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and dear friends, Lionel and Doris Quesenberry. He was predeceased by brother-in-law, Ronald Brady and lifelong friend Jack Gray.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 10 at Hartzler Funeral Home, 6 E. Broadway, Union Bridge, with Deacon Charles Barnhart, of Keysville Lutheran Church, officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home 5-8 p.m. Friday, February 9.

Private inurnment will be in Linganore Cemetery, Unionville, at the convenience of the family.

The Officers and members of the Union Bridge Fire Company extend our deepest sympathy to the Harris family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Union Bridge Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 1050, Union Bridge, MD 21791.

 

Melinda Paulis June 15, 2019 at 9:08 PM
As a daughter of Jack Gray, the UBFD was an integral part of our family's life. Because of that, I occasionally check-in on your organization on-line.
I was notified of the sad passing of Jack Harris at the time, but just read his obituary on your site. Jack was a fine man with a big heart & wonderful sense of humor. He & Betty were such good friends with my parents that they were like family. I was touched & happy when I read the acknowledgement of Jack & Dad's friendship in the obit you wrote.
They were quite the team in their efforts to help build & grow the UBFD! As Chief & Asst Chief, I recall them spending many hours both on & off-site discussing the growth & well-being of your organization. They were selfless in their efforts to expand & improve UBFD services to the community.
Thank you for honoring their friendship & teamwork in your remembrance of Jack Harris. That was very kind.
Additionally, I'm certain that Dad "looks down" at the UBFD with pride at the many dedicated & accomplished members who maintain & grow the organization he was so proud to be a part of!

Thank you !!
Melinda (Gray) Paulis
San Diego, CA