Dr. James Harris Jr. was born on May 31, 1947, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. He was the oldest child of the late Rev. James Harris Sr. and Emma Gadsden Harris. He married Gwendolyn, his wife of 50 years, in Detroit, Michigan in 1975.

Affectionately known by his family as “Junior,” James was reared in a nurturing home that focused on Christian values, education and music of all genres. Under the tutelage of his parents, James learned to sing and play the piano and many other instruments. At the age of 10, James was appointed choir director and pianist/organist at Grace Reformed Episcopal Church in Moncks Corner, S.C. At age 12, he had the honor of beginning six years of service as the organist and choir director of the congregations that his father pastored, Bethel and St. Luke’s RE Churches in Charleston S.C.

After high school, James earned his B.S. in Music Education and Performance from Virginia State University, followed by a master’s degree in Music Education and Performance and a Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Policy from the University of Michigan. He also completed postdoctoral certificate programs at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

For more than 50 years, James devoted his life to shaping generations of students, educators and musicians. He started his career as a successful public-school teacher, band director and administrator for over a decade in Detroit. He was well known for leading the highly regarded Cody High School Marching Band and the Department of Music at Cass Technical High School. He went on to travel and perform across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Spain and Italy, becoming nationally known for his extensive work in the areas of music, school leadership and research.

James’ distinguished career in educational leadership, included serving as a high school principal (Joliet, IL), assistant superintendent (West Aurora, IL), superintendent (North Chicago, IL, Buffalo, NY; Inglewood, CA; Taylor, MI) and executive director (Grand Rapids, MI). He also returned to teach at his alma maters as a Department Chair and Professor of Doctoral Studies and Educational Leadership Department at Virginia State University and as an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Beyond his leadership endeavors, James had many creative pursuits including publishing books, composing hymns and orchestral music and recording musical tributes to the thousands of choir members, pastors and church members who sang songs of faith led by him for more than 50 years. He composed a host of compositions, including the “Detroit Folk Mass” and “Six Sacred Anthems for Choir.” He also wrote books including, “Strategies for Involving Multicultural Parents in the Education of their Children” and “10 Essential Strategies for Improving Student Achievement.”

James was currently the minister of music at Wesley United Methodist, in Colonial Heights, VA. During his career he also served as organist, pianist and/or choir director across the United States with the following churches and choirs:

Grace RE Church, Moncks Corner, SC

Bethel RE Church, Charleston, SC

St. Luke’s RE Church, Charleston, SC

United State’s Army Choir/Civilian Organist at Fort Lee, Petersburg, VA

Virginia State University Choir (Accompanist, 2013-2018), Petersburg, VA

Hope Lutheran Church (LCA), Detroit, MI

Lutheran Church in American Lay Associate for Music (25 years)

Detroit Coalition Mass Choir (conductor)

Revelation Lutheran Church (ELCA), Detroit, MI

Immanuel Lutheran Church (ELCA), Detroit, MI

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church-Organist (ELCA), Grand Rapids, MI

Wesley United Methodist, Colonial Heights, VA

James departed this life on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Chester, VA. His legacy will live on in the countless voices he trained, the confidence he nurtured and the enduring love of music and community he instilled in all who had the privilege to work with him. He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn; three children, Leah Harris Seupersad (Suwanee, GA), David James Harris (Detroit, Michigan), and Felisa Grant McDavid (Charleston, S.C.); brother, Henry T. Harris (Helen); grandchildren, Brielle and Beania Seupersad; uncles, Isaac and Henry Gadsden; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Treylind Jackson McDavid.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church 3701 Conduit Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Funeral services are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834.