JOHN DANIEL HARRIS

Final Flight on February 13, 2016

John D. Harris, Major USAF (Retired)

August 19, 1940 - February 13, 2016

Harris, John Daniel (Major, Retired USAF) passed away Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas. He had lived in Euless, Texas since 1983. He was born on August 19, 1940 to John Paul and Irene (Moore) Harris in Winchester, Indiana. He graduated from Winchester High School and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. John served as an officer in the United States Air Force. As an HH-53 helicopter pilot, he flew with an elite group of pilots known as the Jolly Green Giant Rescue Crew. Their motto, “So that others may live.” John began his service in the United States Air Force on January 8, 1960.

John began his service in the United States Air Force on January 8, 1960. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on December 13, 1960 at Harlingen AFB, Texas and went on to B-52 air crew training. He was a navigator & radar navigator from March 1962 to March 1967 while in the B-52H Strategic Air Command (SAC) Unit at Kincheloe AFB, Michigan. After pilot training, he became a B-52H co-pilot at Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan in September 1968. In 1970, he completed basic & advanced helicopter training at Shepard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas and Eglin AFB, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida before continuing his service as an HH-53 co-pilot and aircraft commander with the 40th ARRS (Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron) at Udorn and Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Air Bases, Thailand. From June 1973, until his retirement on August 31, 1982, John served as an aircraft commander at Hamilton AFB, California; Eglin AFB, Florida and Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. After 22 years, 7 months and 23 days of military service, John spent five years at Flight Safety International and 19 years as a fight instructor for American Airlines.

Upon his second retirement, John and his wife Linda, who were high school sweethearts, traveled the world together, with friends and family. He loved the military, his family, conservatism, hunting, and his many friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Irene Harris, granddaughter Allyson N. Otto, nephew John Delmar DePoy and niece Bethany DePoy Paolino.

He is survived by his wife Linda Hunsucker Harris; children, Kelly Harris South, Irving, TX, Jody Harris Booher & husband Wyatt Booher, Albuquerque, NM, Kirsten (Holly) Holladay & husband Patrick Holladay, Euless, TX; grandchildren, Alec South, Danielle South, Aaron Otto, Annika Otto, Bryce Holladay and Dylan Holladay. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Harris DePoy, Woodbridge, VA; her children Darren DePoy, College Station, TX, David DePoy, Albany, NY, Michelle Atkinson, Manassas, VA and many great-nieces and nephews.

Final resting place, Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, Indiana. Internment at a future date.

Memorials to John D. Harris can be made to: First United Methodist Church of Grapevine TX - Benevolent Fund Or the charity of your choice

GUEST BOOK

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Danny which John and I called him was a very good friend to John and when he came to town he would always stop by. He will be missed and remembered for a very long time. My condolences go out to Linda and their family.

~

Carolyn Grubbs, Winchester, Indiana

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

A very close and long time friend.  The JGA reunions will never be the same without you. Jan and I looked forward to you spending time in our home before and after the reunions. Rest in peace my friend.

~ 

John Kriletich, Navarre, Florida

Sunday, February 21, 2016

A friend always missed forever.

~

Bob Mouse Baldwin

Saturday, February 20, 2016

John was very special and I am glad to say he was my friend since pilot training days. Our paths crossed a few times over our careers which was special. He served as a source of wise council when I needed it. I'm sure he is using his "new wings" to fly again. Special blessings to Linda and the family.

~

Colonel Len Morrissey USAF (Ret), San Antonio, TX

Friday, February 19, 2016

So many memories of growing up together in Winchester. I will always think of him as Danny because of those early days. Blessings to Linda, another classmate, and the family

~ 

Fred Bales,

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Friday, February 19, 2016

John will be missed by many. I first knew him at Bell Helicopter, he and I had much in common talking about flying helicopters. Lately we saw each other at the Harris Hospital Gym several times a week. He made many friends there also.

My condolences to his family. RIP John

~ 

A Wayne Brown, N R H, Texas

Friday, February 19, 2016

John has flown West, as all pilots must do, for a final checkride. I'm sure that he will pass that checkride with flying colors!

~

Mike McAllister USAF UPT class 68F

Friday, February 19, 2016

It was a privilege to have known and flown with John. He was a dedicated, professional Air Force Officer. He will be missed.

~ 

Col James Miears, USAF (Ret), El Dorado, Arkansas

Friday, February 19, 2016

Sure sorry to hear we've lost John, a long time friend -- we served together in Thailand during the Vietnam war while flying combat rescue in HH-53 helicopters -- may he have a great time in the after-life --

~ 

Jay Strayer,Colonel, USAF(Ret), Xenia, Ohio

Friday, February 19, 2016

John, I am going to miss you. From the first day we flew a BH-412 together at Era Helicopters, I knew I had a friend. I learned so much from your vast experience. I am going to miss our lunches at Carlswell. I remember when you first met my wife and called her "Saint Ann". I asked you why you called her that and you said "for putting up with all my bull" for so many years. Now, she will always be Saint Ann. I also remember you talking about the "Jolly Green" reunions and how much you enjoyed those. You were one of the pilots who flew one of the four H-53's from Udall to Egland. The flight (missing the nitty-gritty things) was featured in an article in Rotor & Wing. We talked about our families and taking our grandsons deer hunting and how much fun we had. You Loved your family and showed it. There is no doubt in my mind that GOD took you home in his personal H-53. GOD speed my brother, I love ya. Theo Ret Navy

~ 

Theo Peebles, Weatherford, Texas

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

John has been a wonderful father-in-law to our son, Patrick, and grandfather to our mutual grandsons, Bryce and Dylan. He has shown them how to live life as a well-respected, Christian man. And taught them lessons they will take forward in their lives so that John will never be forgotten. He was one of the Good Ones. Dan and Nancy Holladay

~ 

Dan & Nancy Holladay, Kingwood, Texas

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

John, we spent many hours together, both in the air and on the ground. You were a great mentor and friend, who helped me get through a difficult mission we had together. I thank you sir - and until we meet again - God Bless You!

~

George Bohl, De Pere, Wisconsin

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Kelly, I am so sorry for your loss. We will continue to pray for you and your family.

~

Lori Wise, Flower Mound, Texas

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Condolences on your loss and prayers of comfort to the family of John D. Harris. Rest In Peace

~

Ernest Purcell, West Liberty, Kentucky

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the family

~

MJ Bailey

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

What a patriot and great American. As a young officer, I learned a lot from John. Will always have deep respect for John as a warrior, pilot, and a man who adored his family. RIP

~

Mike Planert,

Burke, Virginia

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

"Big John" The world is a better place because of your life. We lived the dream. RIP Brother, for we shall meet again. "Little John"

~

John Adrian, Layton, Utah

Monday, February 15, 2016

Please accept my sincere condolences in the passing of John D. Harris. I knew him as "Dan" when we were growing up in Winchester, Indiana. May he rest forever in the loving presence of Christ Our Savior. Deacon Ron Forrest, Sioux City, Iowa.......WHS Class of 1959

~

Deacon Ron Forrest,

Sioux City, Iowa

Monday, February 15, 2016

Please accept my sincerest apologies for your loss. Prayers be onto you. Be at peace. John is I am sure.

~

Jon Knox, Ogden, Utah

Monday, February 15, 2016

John we'll miss you at the Jolly Green reunion and our flight engineer get together afterwards. You were a great help in mentoring young flight engineers in the quiet way of 'managing' the cockpit. Enjoy the Lord's presence.

~

Tom Green, Navarre, Florida

Monday, February 15, 2016

John Harris, one of the really good guys. We were very saddened to learn of your family's great loss.

~

Jerry and Dianne Pair

Monday, February 15, 2016

God rest you, John, my friend and professor. Thanks for the skills you taught me. I shall think of you each time I use them. May God comfort the Harris family as only He can.

~

Mike Ozymy, Colleyville, Texas

Monday, February 15, 2016

God rest the soul of John D. Harris, a fellow Jolly Green and USAF RotorHead. God comfort and protect the Harris family. Jim Burns, SMSgt. USAF (Retired)

~

Jim Burns, Navarre, Florida

Monday, February 15, 2016

I pray the love of god enfolds you and family during this difficult time. George Lykins

~

George Lykins, Palmetto, Florida

"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE"

~SOMEONE PAYS FOR YOU AND ME~

"HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY

~NEVER FORGOTTEN~