C. Jack Harris

C. Jack Harris, a longtime Oklahoma City real estate developer, passed away on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. He was born Charles Jackson Harris on June 21, 1922, in Wilson, OK, to Earl and Catherine Harris. He graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City in 1940. Jack served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1948, attending college with the GI Bill. He was a lifetime OU Sooners fan. Jack met Mary Margaret Lewis at St. Luke's United Methodist Church and they were married in the church at 8th and Robinson on April 9, 1948. They lived in Oklahoma City for all of their 69 year marriage. Margaret preceded him in death on August 7, 2017. Jack's faith and his church, St. Luke's, were very important in his life. His daily scripture reading was an integral part of his life. He chaired every major church committee during his years as a member and was one of the last surviving members of the Clyde Harrison Sunday School class, formed following World War II for young married couples. After graduating from OU, Jack began a career in finance and banking, eventually becoming a director of the Bank of Mid America, Mid America Corporation, Cairo National Bank, Cairo, Ill, and May Avenue Bank (later Union Bank). In 1961, he began a real estate development career, during which he developed three housing additions, apartments, a hotel, a restaurant and four commercial office building projects, Jamestown Office Park, Northwest Medical Center, Regency Center and the IRS building. His real estate development company, Harris Developments, employed both of his sons and his son-in-law. Jack and Margaret travelled extensively, crossing the Atlantic 22 times for various trips. Paris was his favorite European city. Six times they skied in European resorts. Their second home in Vail, CO, was much loved for many years as they made memories with family and friends on winter and summer vacations. The legacy he left for his children and grandchildren included adventure and travel, the importance of fostering family connections, sports and athletics, reading classic and contemporary literature, and his continuing interest in the world around him throughout his life. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Marsha and Garnett Haubelt, Mark and Anne Harris, Cathy and Bob Young, all of Oklahoma City, and David and Van Noy Harris of Denver, CO. He is also survived by six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. His family is especially grateful for his loving caregivers, Sherry, Bonita and Denise and Caregiver Connections. A Memorial Service will be Thursday, July 19, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 222 N.W. 15th Street, Oklahoma City. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Luke's Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)