James M.

Harrison

James Michael Harrison passed away on November 10, 2026 at the The Classic. He was born on March 25, 1936 in Eau Claire, WI to Randall and Phyllis Harrison.

Jim graduated from Regis High School in 1954. He served in the United States Navy and Marine Corp as a Medical Corpman from 1955 – 1958. He then attended the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He taught school in Eau Claire from 1961 – 1969. During this time, he received a National Science Foundation Scholarship and went on to earn a Masters Degree and Specialist Degree in Educational Administration. He then accepted the position of principal of the Mondovi Junior High and Elementary Schools. He was a devoted teacher and administrator for 33 years.

During these years, Jim was very active in his community. While in Eau Claire he became Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus – John F. Kennedy Council and served on the Board of Directors for Columbus Sites. He became a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus – Goldsmith Council. Jim was a lectern and volunteer summer school teacher at St. Patrick’s School. He was a member of the American Legion Post 53 in Eau Claire, and a member of the Retired Educators Association and the State and National Principals Associations. While living in Mondovi, Jim was a member of the Mondovi Lion’s Club and served a term as president.

Jim married the love of his life, Mary Southers on June 7, 1958. They were blessed with four wonderful daughters – Mary Kathryn, Lisa and Laurie (twins) and Christine Ann. Jim’s life was consumed with loving and caring for his family. He never missed a sporting event, parade, speech contest, concert or any other event they took part in.

Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary, daughters Mary Kay (Jack) Kins, Christy (Dale) Rasmussen, and Lisa Peterson, Grandchildren Randall (Dominika) Kins, Katie (Ben) Bublitz, James (Evan) Rasmussen and Ben Rasmussen. Great Grandchildren Will and Jake Kins and Eli and Emma Bublitz and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his three year old daughter Laurie, his parents Randall and Phyllis Harrison, special aunt and uncle and cousin Billie and Tom Carroll and Rosemarie Carroll Hagmann, in-laws Carola Southers Loranger, Jack Loranger, Bob and Patricia Southers and Jim Southers.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to St. Croix Hospice caregivers and the staff in the Garden at the Classic.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Eau Claire. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at the Church.  Lunch will be served immediately after the service. Burial with full military honors will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.