Jim Harris

James Christopher Harris, 43, of Junction City, Kentucky, died Tuesday, February 14, at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center. Born January 5, 1980, in Blue Ash, Ohio, he was the son of John and Patricia Harris of Blue Ash. He was the Public Information Officer of the Junction City Fire Department for 10 years and was employed at Northpoint Training Center as a Corrections Officer for four years, working in the transportation department most recently. Jim was a member of the Junction City First Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, other survivors include his wife, Kendra Peek Harris of Junction City; children, Seth Alan Freeman, Tristan James Harris, and Madelyn Marie Harris; siblings, Mark and Ann Harris, Kenny and Alita Harris, Vicki Harris-Mintz and Don Hunt, and John Harris II; nieces and nephews, Rachel (Nick) Helmer, Ryan Mintz, Eric Harris, Jenna Harris, Eve Peek and Cora Peek; Great-niece, Selah Helmer; father and mother-in-law, Steven and Lisa Peek; brother-in-law, Shane (Melia) Peek; seven aunts and seven uncles; his fire and corrections families; and a slew of others who loved him. Described by many as a “gentle giant,” Jim was a fierce defender of those he loved. He dedicated his life to serving others, starting as a fire explorer as a teenager at the Blue Ash Fire Department. As an adult, he transitioned to becoming a medic and worked for Fort Mitchell Fire Department for a time. Following the tragedy of 9/11/2001, Jim was part of a group that spent 11 days at Ground Zero, conducting search and recovery efforts. Over the years, Jim also served as the Public Information Officer at the Boyle County Fire Department and worked in the emergency room at the Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center. He achieved his dream of completing college in 2019, graduating with honors with a bachelor’s degree from Campbellsville University through the Harrodsburg Conover Center. While there, he was a member of Alpha Chi honor society and a member of Campbellsville University Church Outreach, sharing his faith with others. He truly enjoyed his job at the Northpoint Training Center and the impact he was able to make in the lives of others. Jim believed it was important to treat with respect those he dealt with in his capacity there, earning a great deal of respect back from those he encountered. He was proud to be a member of the Kentucky Department of Corrections Crisis Negotiation Team. Jim was most proud of his three children: Seth, Tristan, and Mady. He was an avid football fan and had a great love for the Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State University. King of the dad jokes and one-liners, Jim approached life with a smile and loved to make people laugh. He could walk in a room of strangers and make friends with everyone. He had confidence in everything he did, no matter if he was speaking to a room of fire trainees, dealing with medical issues, talking to the news media, or preaching to a Sunday evening crowd. His absence will be felt by so many, possibly none more than his wife and love of his life, Kendra. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, February 20 at the Junction City First Baptist Church with Rev. Choe Sergent, and Brian Griffith officiating. Visitation will be 4 p.m.–7 p.m., Sunday, February 19 also at Junction City First Baptist Church. The burial will be at Grove Ridge Cemetery in Kings Mountain, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Supporting Heroes and 9/11 Firefighter Foundation. Visitation: 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, February 19th at First Baptist Church, Junction City Service: 11 a.m., Monday, February 20th at First Baptist Church, Junction City Memorial Picture Slideshow - https://youtu.be/bsqRomJFDMc Funeral Service - https://youtu.be/QSBXouOFUbI Community Slideshow - https://youtu.be/CQnc99tFXDU