Gerald “Jerry” Harris, longtime owner of Eagle Direct and dear friend of the IJN, passed away March 28, 2017, in Denver. Rabbis Steven Foster and Sara Gilbert and Cantor Elizabeth Sacks officiated at the March 31 service at Feldman Chapel. Interment followed at Emanuel Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Mr. Harris was born in 1926 in Omaha, Neb. He came to Denver in 1943, when he was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base.
A 1945 graduate of DU, he majored in accounting and sales.
Mr. Harris married Leona Harris in 1947.
He began working in plumbing sales with his father-in-law in 1947 and became an independent distributor of air purifying equipment three years later.
In 1956, Mr. Harris joined Eagle Direct Printing Company and bought out his partner in 1972.
During his tenure, he printed business cards and requisite items for the IJN and numerous Denver businesses.
Mr. Harris, who sold Eagle Direct in 1999 and retired, remained very active in the Denver community.
He became active in SCORE, the Senior Core of Retired Executives operated by the Small Business Administration, and mentored people interested in launching their own businesses achieve their dreams.
Mr. Harris served as an officer and a board member of several national and local organizations, including CARIH, the Children’s Asthma Research Institute and Hospital; Rose Hospital; Boys Club; Optimist International; and the National Assn. of Printers and Lithographers and others.
A member of Temple Emanuel, Temple Sinai and BMH-BJ, he also supported Shalom Park and Stepping Stones.
Mr. Harris, who was president of the Veterans Administration Draft Board during the Vietnam War, was a 33rd degree Mason.
The recipient of numerous awards, including the Walter E. Soderstrum Society Award, he was honored by Stepping Stones and was named SBA Small Business Person of the Year in 1997.
Mr. Harris is survived by his wife Leona Harris of Denver; son Howard (Michele) Harris of Denver; grandchildren Valerie (Brett) Keber, Kimberly (Joachim) Brennsteiner, Brent (Kelsey) Harris, Marcie Lee (Edd) Harris and Sarah (J.R.) Cottingham; and great-grandchildren Royce Cottingham, Payton Cottingham and Robbie Lee.
He was predeceased by his son Richard Harris.
Contributions may be made to The Denver Hospice or the charity of choice.
Copyright © 2017 by the Intermountain Jewish News
