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Lt. Col. James W. Jay Harrison, U.S. Army Retired, passed way November 26, 2014 surrounded by his family in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 89 and 7 months. He was born April 26, 1925 in Jones Springs, Berkeley County, West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Lillian R. Western Harrison; parents, Jeannette Snyder Harrison and Ashlin R. Harrison, of Martinsburg, West Virginia and sister, Nelda Cogle of Burtonsville, Maryland. He is survived by his three daughters: Bonnie Friese, Jill Souter and husband Steve, Jackie McEwen and husband Mike; granddaughters Kim Harpel and husband Paul, Heather Yager and husband Bill ; grandson Kevin McEwen and wife Frances; great – grandsons, Kipp Potter, Jack Kirkham and Nicolas Yager; a sister, Janice Whipp of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. and nieces Tierney Jordan of Seattle, Washington and Sandy Steigelman of Eatontown, New Jersey. Lt. Col. Harrison served his country with honor and distinction for 27 years in the US Army. He volunteered for the draft in 1943 and served in 3 wars – first in Europe during WWII until January 1946. He also served in the Korean War in 1953-54 and the Vietnam War in 1966-67. Military awards include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster 2nd award, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, 5 Campaign Stars for service in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, a Meritorious Unit Citation and 11 Service Medals. His last duty assignment was Adjutant General, Ft. Sam Houston, retiring in 1970. Lt. Col. Harrison's military assignments took him and his family to many new places – including stations in France, New York and locations across the U.S. He encouraged his family to embrace these new experiences as they traveled extensively and became very involved in these new communities. Lt. Col. Harrison made many life-long friends during these assignments. He and Lillian were "second parents" to many of the young officers that served with him. These friends continued to keep in touch and visit with him over the years – even in recent months. Following his retirement, he worked for USAA Insurance Company, Ray Ellison Homes and as Vice President for Mortgage Services with the John Coates Company. "Jay", as family and friends knew him, was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a source of strength for his family – supporting and encouraging each of them in their daily lives. He was a man of his word – and always preached "never judge anyone until you have walked in their shoes" and instilled these traits in his daughters and their families. Jay always had time for his family and loved family get-togethers – particularly his annual 4th of July party for family and friends. He loved sports and was an avid baseball fan the Braves in particular and was a Spurs season ticket holder for many years and a Spurs fan since the ABA days. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph School, 110 E. Stephen Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401, or a charity of your choice. Services Visitation will be on Thursday, December 4, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North located at 3401 Cherry Ridge Dr. San Antonio, Texas, 78230. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road San Antonio, Texas 78209.

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James William Harrison

April 26, 1925 - November 26, 2014