Rev. Jack D. Harris passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 22, 2024. Jack was born October 6,1935 in Wichita, KS. He was an only child born to Leon and Opal Harris. Jack grew up in a traditional, loving and happy home. His family was actively involved in the local church community and many of his friends were a part of the youth group. At age fourteen, tragedy struck when Jack's father, Leon, died suddenly of a heart attack. Several men in the church congregation stepped forward to become father figures for him. The pastor of the church was influential and planted the seed that God was calling Jack into ministry.

Jack attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS where he met and married his first wife, Mary Cooke. Following graduation from Southwestern, Jack and Mary moved to Denver, CO where he attended seminary. Jack and Mary had three children, Stephanie, Phillip (Flip) and Scott.

Jack served at several United Methodist Churches in the Kansas area and as District Superintendent. He also served as senior pastor at East Heights United Methodist Church where he met his second wife, Marlene Blake, whom he was married to for 40 years. Jack continued his ministry as the senior pastor at East Heights until he became the Director of United Methodist Foundation until retirement. After retirement, Jack continued work driving bus tours across the country.

Throughout his life, Jack was passionate about civil rights and racial equality. His ministry was often demonstrated through his actions by inviting people to his home regardless of color or creed. He was a supporter of Women's Rights and often spoke in Kansas political settings. He was instrumental in the establishment of Hospice in Wichita, KS and had a passion for serving others within the community. He volunteered through the American Red Cross and was on scene after many tragic tornadoes, fires and hurricane Katrina.
Jack will be greatly missed by his family and is survived by daughter Stephanie Harris (Sam) Lovelette, Scott Harris, Brad Blake, and Whitney (Angela) Blake. Grandchildren Zachary (Jessica) Lovelette, Hannah (Stefan) Griego, Jared (Jenelle) Lovelette, Adrian (Josh) Langford, Amy Harris, Madelynne Harris, Emily Harris, Tyler Blake, Hayley (Bay) Woods, Conner Blake, Audrey Blake, Nicholas Williams, Courtney Blake, and Mackenzie Peters.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations to East Heights United Methodist Church.