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In memory

Never alone, never forgotten.

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Stories and memories of Jeremy James Harris

With loving memory.
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No matter whether Jay and I had something planned or not, we were never bored when together. His uncanny ability to make people smile as well as antagonize a good or stupid debate never left us without entertainment.
- Charles Harris

There's one picture of Jeremy taken with me (mom) when he was home on leave from the Marine Corps (in front of the fireplace) and I'm looking up at him and smiling... I was asking him when he became so tall? My baby had grown up ...
- Sue / Mom

Jay was a great broth-in-law. He helped us when needed; he gave Toby someone to talk to when needed, and he was always willing to listen. Jay lived with us for a while when we first moved into our house in Ravenna. He was on the computer when he wasn't helping us out or working. His room was stacked from floor to ceiling with empty Diet Dr. Pepper cans. I remember he said he didn't normally like cats, but that Gidget was "cool" and kept him warm at night by sleeping on his chest; Gidget wouldn't leave Jay alone. He worked late and wasn't an early riser - the cats favorite game was to wake Jay up if she could by tapping her paw gently on his head (so he said). That cat would always be at Jay's feet no matter where he was in the house and inevitably Jay would bend down and pet the cat or pick her up. I do believe Gidget was heartbroken when Jay moved out, because she just ran away a few days later.
- Stacey Harris

Toby: do you remember when you were little and I wouldn't let you fight? And a neighbor boy came into our backyard while you were in the sandbox and was bullying you in some fashion? You refused to do anything. (Good Boy!)And without saying a word, your brother stood up on the side of the sandbox and punched the kid? (he ran away then)... should have known then he'd sign up to be a Marine!
- Mom

I remember one of Jay's favorite stories was about Khole and a day he took the boys shopping. They had stopped on their way out of a store because Kohle asked if they could purchase a bouncing ball from one of the vending machines. Jay gave both Kohle and Niquoli some money to purchase one. Shortly there after, while in the car, Kohle stated that his ball smelled. He proceeded to ask Niquoli if his smelled. Niquoli nodded a confirmation to Kohle. Kohle then felt that he had to Jay: "Uncle Jay, Nick and I have smelly balls." According to Jay, Kohle rattled on and on about how they had "smelly balls" for about ten minutes.
- Charles Harris

I've got so many I don't know where to start. Everyday with him was just such a gift to me. He always made sure that the boys and I always knew how much he loved us. And that he would always be there no matter what.
- Sara

One of my favorite memories of Jay was when he had came up to visit Stacey, Niquoli and I. We where still living in Mansfield at the time. Jay asked if he could take Niquoli to the mall to get him a birthday gift. While at the mall, Jay and I had casually talked about finding him a girl friend. Niquoli, who was only two at the time picked up on that, and quickly as well as loudly started pointing out pretty girls: "How about that one Uncle Jay, she's pretty!"
- Charles Harris

I asked Alyssa what her favorite memory of Uncle J.J. is and she said that he's an angel...I said, no...when he was alive, to which she replied ummmm....when he didn't have the car accident. So I am guessing that means like me, she can't think of one certain indivual thing that sticks out. There's so many good memories, I can't narrow it down to put just one of here. We love you Jay and we miss you.
- Lori

I just wanted to say what a wonderful thing this web site is. I visit here on a daily basis. Jay was so special to so many. There are so many things we would all love to say about Jay, I don't know where to begin. He was always there for you when you needed him, and would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. I must agree with Alyssa in saying that the best memory of Jay is everything before the car accident. Jay, you are missed and loved by so many. It is so sad that the one thing you wanted in life was Gavin, and you had to leave him so soon. With this site, he will always know how love and cherished you are.
- unknown

I met Jay about 17 years ago when we both started working at Wendy's and I have to admit I had the biggest crush on him then. We tried dating and relized that we were better off friends.He was a great friend and no matter how long it had been since I had last seen him he would act as if no time passed and we would start the old banter back up. He was a special person and I will miss him.
- Jen DeSimio (Diezman)

I'm not so good attyping yet so Mommy has to do it for me. My favorite memory was of going to the Cleveland and Akron zoos every year with Jay, Mommy, and Gavin. But the best time of all was when we we're at the Cleveland Zoo and the monkey had her baby right in front of us. Jay was so worried about the momma and the baby that he went and found on of the keepers so they could help them. Sara- He didn't just go get the keeper, he yelled at her for letting the monkey out in the public area with another monkey. He was so ticked off his face was red. He was just like, always so protect of anyone who needed it.
- James

I'm little Gavin and Mommy's going to have to do this for me too, since I'm too little to type. My favorite Daddy memory is sitting on his lap playing "Slay the Monster". As soon as Daddy would get up I'd grab his hand and drag him over to the computer growling. We'd sit there for hours playing that game if Mommy would let us. H ewould try sing "Kill the monster" like Elmer Fud and I'd turn around and "sshh's" him. I also liked to sit on the couch with him and watch T.V. Especially "Friends". Daddy would have his Diet Dr. Pepper and I would have my bottle and we'd sit and watch for hours side by side.
- Gavin

I remember when J was thinking of moving to Germany. When he told me of his plans, I just burst into tears. I knew I'd never see him again if he moved... I just knew it in my heart. He tried to comfort me and held me but it didn't help. I couldn't stop crying. And as it turned out, he decided he couldn't leave his family again: he'd already missed so much .. his nephew, brother, sisters... so he stayed here with us! So very happy we got to spend time and make memories. Do hope everyone takes each and every day to make new and precious memories letting your loved ones know how much you do love them. Bless you all! Love Ya!
- Mom

One of my fondest memories with Jay, was simply sitting at our grandparents dinning room table going through Grandpa Harris' coin collection. We'd spend hours and hours just sorting through them, organizing them for grandpa. That tradition carried over into our adult lives. In fact, Jay and I spent a weekend prior to his death going through each others collection, trading, talking and caring on like we did at our grandparents so many years ago.
- Charles Harris

One of my favorite memories was when Dad and Uncle Jay used to sit in the living room and talk about their childhood and all the things they did. I also enjoyed listening to the both of them when they were talking about the things that they did and were planning for when playing an online game called Neverwinter Nights.
- Niquoli Harris

One of my favorite memories of Uncle Jay is when he convinced Niquoli to drink a bottle of hot sauce for a dollar.
- Kohle Harris

While looking trough the pictures of Jay as a young boy it reminded me of a time that his Mom and I had taken the kids to the mall as a treat to passify Lori after she had got a black eye while playing, before we got to the mall we stopped at a fast food to get the kids something to eat Jay and Lori were jumping on the bench and Lori fell off and split her lip, all this is to set the scene ,anyway while we were walking in the mall an older Lady saw Lori and was asking us what happened , as we were explaining what happened to her Jay looked at the Lady as serious as could be and said no sir Mom smacked her one, (cute sense of humor, that he carried into his adult life) The look on the ladys face and on Jays Mom's as well as mine I'm sure was very memorable
- Dad

One of my best memories of Jay was the first Thanksgiving we spent together. We wre just friends at the time and I was spending Thanksgiving with my boyfriend at the time and my son, James. He came over so I wouldn't be so lonely. And instead of just sitting on the couch he came into the kitchen and asked me if he could help. I told him to mash the potatoes. They were the lumpiest mashed potatoes in history. We still joked about them years later.
- Sara

This particular story is my brother and I when we were younger and Mom was living in Great Grandma's house on Wayland Road. Jay and I were in the basement playing with a kitten. Jay was moving his hand in a fashion where his would open and close his hand into a fist; occasionally grabbing the kittens head. After a few moments the kitten apparently had enough of the taunting and lunged at Jay. The kitten had somehow successfully locked its grip to Jays head with its claws buried behind Jay's ears. The kitten continued to bit Jay on the nose. The whole time Jay is taken by surprise and is yelling at me to get the crazy cat off his face. Well, I was doubled over in laughter at what was happening and why.
- Charles Harris

Refering to what Dad said, leave it to Lori to cause trouble and for Jay to egg her on. I have so many fond memories of Jay, I don't know where to start. No matter where we were or what we were doing we always had a good time together. I enjoy going and looking at all the pictures on this site, it brings back a lot of memories, and helps to see that Jay had such a great life. Like everyone has said here, no matter what he was doing he always managed to make everthing interesting.
- Jodi

I remember the Christmas we bought Niq walkie talkies. Instead of the boys playing with them Jay and Toby were. Well, some kid came on the one channel. And those two promptly try to convince this poor kid that he was on a secured military channel and they were going to bomb his house. They laughing till they cried while this poor kid was in a panic. Toby was control and Jay was the plane. It was the funniest thing I have ever seen. I can still here them now. "Eagle One, are you in posstion?" "Nearing it now, control. Ready to engage" All the kid could say was "Who is This?" "How old are you?"
- Sara

Who remembers Jay's favorite candy??? And his version of "initiation" into "life" for the children ... what was the age. 3? Does anyone have the picture that was taken of Jaden after he tried one of Jay's favorite candies??? Super sour something or other and poor Jaden's little face was all screwed up. Didn't take the kids long to figure out to Be Very Careful when J was around!
- Mom

It was Mega Sour War Heads! He loved those things. James would run if he had some. He gave one to my friend's kid and the kid swollowed it instead of spitting it out. Jay had to give him the hymlic to get it back out. He felt so bad he never one to another kid. But he did try to give them to my horse. She was not amused. And the kids weren't the only one's tourchered with food. At his grandma's wake he talked me into eating this nasty lemon thing by telling me how sweet they were. That was the most disgusting thing I have ever had. And somewhere's there's a picture of my face and him laughing.
- Sara

I remember one summer when Jay and I were staying with our grandparents during the summer while dad worked. We would always go to granddads church to work, either mow the lawn, paint or what ever the church needed. Anyways, on the way to church one day, Jay and I loaded up a supply of water balloons to play with while there. Jay and I sat in the back of granddads pickup along the windy narrow back roads to the church. Occasionally tossing a water balloon over the edge of the truck. One of those balloons just happen to hit a car that was passing by. Jay and I hit the deck of the truck so fast. Once we had the courage to look up, granddad was sitting in the cab shaking his finger calmly at us in the "no, no" fashion. He wasn't angry and didn't say anything to us, but Jay and I talked the whole day about that; occasionally laughing. We never did that again.
- Charles Harris

Jay has been in my thoughts often; especially since we had always done a lot together or with family on the weekends during the summer. I will always miss the time that we could have had and will continue to cherish the memories we made.
- Charles Harris

J you became one of my good friends and i will always remember you. Its hard to sit here and write anything without feeling the grief that goes through me. We had so many good times in just a few years at Peterson heat treating, to poker games at my house, and having a few beers at the bars we would find. I also remember the times we went weight lifting right after work in the mornings. It was a pleasure to meet your family when they came up to work and visit you. you were always so proud of them. J i can't wait to see you again and share a diet dr. pepper with you brother.
- Donny

Happy Father's Day,Jay
- Lori

It's been a while, and I just wanted to say I still think about you Jay. I miss you.
- Jodi

While giving the kids a bath last night, Alyssa asked if Jesus talked to people, and do they hear him. I responded that some people claim that they "talk" to him. She said that the night before last, Jesus talked to her. I asked what did he say, and she said that he told her that "Uncle Jay Jay will be ok". I thought that was sweet and just wanted to share it with everyone.
- Lori McGregor

I've been wanting to write something to share about Jeremy for a while now. I visit this site often and cherish it. Jay was my best friend all through high school. We were in the "smart kids" classes. I will always admire his strength and determination to accomplish things he set his mind to. His calming intelligent insite made it very easy for me to confide in him. I have many memories all of them fond but I will only share this one...We were in a car accident one day when leaving school. He was driving a big car with a long front seat. I was in the middle and Greg Rorrer was in the passenger side. There was a bus about 4 cars in front of us stopping frequently to let kids off causing a traffic jam. Some stupid young girl who was also a student and leaving school had her sports car full of other students and desided to try to pass several cars including the bus before it's next stop. We were making a left onto Wayland Road to go to Jeremy's parents house. Jay caught a glimse of the impending accident in the side mirror of the car. His first instinct was to throw his arm out across me to brace and protect me. We were hit a spit second later none of us wearing seat belts. The girl driver put her car in the huge ditch along side the road it was totally sideways. Instead of being angry at her as I was he ran over to the car and stood on top of the side to pry the door open and pull people out. He will always be my hero and I will always feel greatful for his friendship.
- Bethany McCallister (White)

I have been visiting this site for awhile. I have so many memories of JJ and Toby together at Christmas time at Our grandparents house on Riddle. But my favorite memory of all was New Years Eve At my mother's home. Little Gavin had spilled a plate of cookies and some landed on the floor and Sara tried to get him to pick them up but he wouldn't do it. Then came JJ saying hey there little bud let's get these picked up and he got down on the floor with Gavin and held the plate as Gavin put each one back onto the plate cheering him. And when it was all done JJ told his son great job. The moment was priceless. Jay was a excellent Dad. I will miss him. My love to you all. Rose
- Rose

I don't know really what to say, other than I think about Jay everyday. These holidays are going to be rough for me since New Years Eve was the last time I had seen him. He was being his usual self that night when we playing "Night At The Races". He was cheating the entire time, and the cashier didn't even realize it. He wasn't making any bets, but would cash in on the winning horses...lol. There are so many things that I miss about him, I just can't put them into words.
- Lori

It's close to a year and I haven't been able to post anything till now. I guess maybe it's because it would really mean he is gone if I did. Jay was/is my best friend. Jay is the only man that I could trust 100%. He was always there for me and would probably have done anything for me as long as I made my Oatmeal raisin cookies for him. he-he J/k he would have without me doing so. That’s just the kind of guy he was. I have so many great memories with jay. Even though he really couldn’t dance he would get out on the floor with me and try his hardest!! We would be laughing so hard the whole time. LOL! Makes me laugh now just thinking about it. He had a way of making some of my worst day's some of the best. He helped me more than he even knew. There will never be anyone like him in my life again, and I am sure for many others as well. He is truly irreplaceable. I love you Jay.
- Tiffany Dittmer

It's been a whole year now and it's been a really rough one. I so miss my confidant and friend who just happened to be my son too. But knowing you're in heaven and we'll be together one day makes it better. At least you're not in pain and probably up there causing some of the STRANGE things that happen from time to time?? The happenings at "the plant" ? Laughing too, I'll bet. I'm with Gavin tonight along with Alyssa, Brendan, and Kinsey: Gavin misses you and does try to be good so you will be happy and Alyssa said she saw you today... but just "half" of you .. not sure what she was talking about though. Said something about "dust" ... ? Oh well. Miss you J. Love, Mom
- Mom

To My Dearest Love, Has it really bee a year since you were taken from us so suddenly? A whole year? No matter how many times I say that it still seems as though it has just only happened. There are still days when I can almost believe it was nothing more then a bad dream that soon I will wake from. Yet no matter how hard I try to wake up I can never rouse myself from the nightmare. There is not a day that I do not think of you. In fact you fill my thoughts. Not one day I do not miss you and long to be with you again. Every part of me aches with it. I still wait for you to come to me and put your strong arms around me. When I look at the boys and see how much they have grown and think of their futures it fills me with a bittersweet feeling because you are not here to see it. Memories flash before me and they break my heart all over again. There is not one day that I do not cry for you. Even now hot tears spill down my face. For you. For the Boys. For us. For what was and what could have been, but never will be. People tell me that it will get better. That someday the pain will go away. That someday I will be whole again without you. That I will move on. I’ve learned that those are lies. Well meaning lies, but lies just the same. I’ve just learned to swallow it down and fake a smile through the pain. I do not really live. Just survive. Knowing in my heart these things. That the only one who can make it all go away and who can make me whole again is gone. That the only man who has ever loved me as I loved him is never coming home again. Ever. And because of that life will never hold joy for me again. Not even for a fleeting moment. Forever Your’s,
- Sara

I recall a time when Jay and I used to play at our grandparents house during the summers. We'd play outside until we couldn't see anymore due to the darkness. We fought bravely against the demons then; never failing to protect each other or our family.
- Charles Harris

There's alot of things that I recall about Jay, some things no one else knows...however, I truely miss him and will always cherish the relationship we had. He will never be far from my heart.
- Lori

I posted this on a sight I go to about a question on weather or not I like ducks. The first thought that came to my mind was Jay and the ducks from Kent's annual duck race. Here's what I posted "Yeah, I like the nasty little things. But not for them. For the memories they bring me. Jay, the kids, and I used to got this outlet mall just so the kids could feed them. I loved to watch them as they tried to make sure every duck got a bite. And for when Jay stole the little plastic ducks from the duck race they have around here every year. The first year he waded in up to his waist in jeans and boots so that he could get them for Gavin. Or so he says since Gavin wasn't born yet. The second year he even bought shorts and flip flops so his clothes wouldn't be soaked the rest of the day. That time we almost got caught. I just remember him running out of the water hands full of ducks yelling "Quick, open the diaper bag before they see 'em!" as the staff came wading down. Don't worry, we waited until the race was over. He would never want to cheat a child out of anything. I still have about a dozen of those damn things around here.
- Sara

First of all I AM TRULLY SADDENED to read this here. My heart goes out to you all, The one thing that I remember about Jay was first meeting him. I was already a little timid around Chuck, but to meet Jay when he got home boy did he make me more nervous than chuck did. Being Married to a little sister can make a man scared of the older Brothers. As i got to know him for the short time i did, I realized he was a great person just like Chuck he made me feel welcome I loved hanging with Him and Chuck. I will always remember him. Lori, Chuck, Stacy and family you are all in my thoughts and will continue to be as always!
- Ken Mcgregor

Jay had such a sense of fairness, of what was right, and what was wrong. So much so he'd call the radio station to express his opinions during the talk shows. With this election and dire straits this country is in, I can only imagine what he would be saying! Miss you and your fiery spirit, son.
- Mom

I just want to say that I miss Jay and visit this site almost daily. I have memories of all of us sitting at Grandad and Grandma's in the dinning room and playing board games together or playing in the yard and getting bugs.
- Jennifer Bilkey (Hamrick)

I was sitting here missing Jay's sense of humor, specailly is off-beat humor. Such as his full body skeleton "Bones" which he and Toby dressed at Halloween to hold the bowl of candy and had the poor kids get the treats themselves. When the kids would come near, Jay would be hiding talking into a walkie-talkie,that was in Bones chest, frightening the little squirts all the more. It was a riot and I so badly miss my big brother.
- Lori

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