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Brenda C. Kayne
I, like many others, appreciated and enjoyed Jay's good nature and love of fun when he passed out goodies to my dog. But I also remember him for his friendly fun with us Sunrise Beach Yogis. He always sped by us during our Wednesday morning practices with a joyful wave or sometime, making gentle fun of our poses. Such a wonderful spirit!
Marme, Mike & Jazz
Jay was always so happy and positive when you would see him on the beach. He loved what he did and we all loved him, humans and dogs. Jay will be deeply missed.
Joan
Jao you love every morning Sunrise on beach now we will see your loving heavnlySpirt all Beach Sunrises
Joan & Favorite Yorky Ralf
Jay we will miss seeing every morning on Beach for Sunrise now we will see y as heavenly Angel morning Sunrise every morning
Deborah Hamilton
This is such sad, sad news. My dog Flore and I so liked talking with Jay whenever we met him in our beach walks. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and beach colleagues….a generous soul who will be deeply missed.
Stephen and Patricia Wootton
Big guy with a big smile and a big heart. You will always be a spiritual father and role model to us.
Tony and Hazel Fetz
His gigantic always smile and his daddy bear hugs. His extreme love for Jesus. We SO enjoyed our time in Jacksonville with you, when we did our Prayerwalk America! Geez Jay, I cant believe you are gone from us so too soon. But we know where you are and are a bit jealous💕💕💕 See you on the other side my brother!.
Dick Bartlett
Fishing at Lake Van with my grandsons, we stopped at the entrance and spoke with Jay. He was always a treat for the boys and me.
Dotty & Charlie Heritage
We will miss Jay on the beach. He was such a great person. Always a happy smile and wanting to talk about the sea turtles. We are so glad to have known him. Keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Dotty and Charlie Heritage
Krissi & Dan Barr...and Clover & Dash
What a wonderful person. We met Jay on the beach. He gave our dogs treats...and from then on, our dogs would go crazy when they saw him approaching. We got to know him over the years and always looked forward to our conversations. He will be missed.
Krissi & Dan Barr
My dogs Clover & Dash loved him (as did Dan & me). We called him "The Bisquit Man"...and when his jeep came up, we sang the lyrics of "The Candy Man" except saying "Who can take a bisquit? Mix it up with love. It's a miracle from above. The Bisquit Man can. The Bisquit Man can. The Bisquit Man can cause he mixes it with love and makes the world go around." Our walks will never be the same. We love you Jay!
Jay D. Harris
2022-02-19
Mr. Jay Dee Harris, 61, of Jacksonville passed away unexpectedly Saturday, February 19, 2022.
He was born in Omaha, NE and was a son of Betty Briggs Harris and the late Jerry Dee Harris.
Jay grew up in a military family and spent much of his young life in El Paso, TX where his father was stationed. Jay went on to serve his country in the U. S. Air Force. He and his family had moved to Jacksonville from Roswell, NM about 8 years ago and he worked for Beach Rakers here in Fernandina Beach providing maintenance services for the beaches.
He had a generous and giving spirit. He was well known for giving treats to dogs as they were walked on the beach by their owners while he was working. At Christmas time Jay could be found dressed as Santa Clause cruising the beach speaking to all, laughing with them and handing out more treats to his four-legged friends.
He was a practical joker with a good sense of humor. He always enjoyed “getting one over” on somebody and having a good time. At home he was an avid eater of popcorn, a lover of family game night and always enjoyed spending time with his family. As a young man he spent time fishing with his father, he fished with his son and planned to take his grandson fishing.
Jay was a member of Destiny Church of Jacksonville. He grew up in church and his love of the Lord was obvious. That love is what motivated his generous and giving spirit. He always helped anyone he could. Jay would take pictures of sunrises at the beach and share them on social media, often times saying, “look what the Lord has painted today!”. He said the “front window” of his office had the best view anyone could ever want.
Jay leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Beth Harris; a daughter, Krystal Harris of Jacksonville, a son, Jeremiah (Nicole) Harris of Roswell, NM; his mother, Betty Harris of Gulfport, MS; two brothers, Dean (Becky) Harris of Gulfport, MS and Rex (Kimberly) Harris of Wichita Falls, TX and six grandchildren, Dimitri, Jocelyn, Natalie, Norah, Nevaeh and Nylah as well as extended family members.
A service to remember and celebrate Jay’s life will be held Monday, February 28, 2022 at Emmaus Church of Jacksonville, 3425 Sans Pareil St, Jacksonville, FL 32224 beginning at 6:00 PM.
The family asks donations be made in his memory to Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, Inc., P. O. Box 566, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035.
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