James Keith Harris

James “Jim” Keith Harris, 81, of Clearfield, Utah passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026. Jim was born on January 17, 1945, in Lovell, Wyoming, to Mary Eliza (Tolman) Harris and Keith Snell Harris. He grew up as the eldest of six children, a role he carried with quiet strength and steady devotion.

In 1950 the family moved to Aurora, Colorado, where Jim spent the remainder of his childhood. He later attended Brigham Young University before serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Michigan. Jim’s faith was a lifelong source of joy, purpose, and peace, guiding him through every season of his life.

Jim proudly served his country as a United States Air Force veteran, working as an airplane mechanic during the Vietnam War. He continued his career in aviation and later worked as an equipment specialist on the F-16 pneumatic, hydraulic, and canopy systems for Hill Air Force Base in Clearfield, Utah.

While serving in the Air Force in the Philippines, Jim met his first love, Mary Patricia Spann of Lyman, Wyoming, who was attending the University of Manila and volunteering with the Red Cross. They were married on June 27, 1969, and shared six children and seven grandchildren.

In later years, Jim married Suzann Shaw Harris. Although their time together on earth was brief, Jim cherished Suzann and her daughters, Emily Turpin and Mary Ann Treasure. They, along with their families, loved Jim wholeheartedly and enriched his life in countless ways.

Jim had a lifelong passion for aviation. From the time he was a young boy building balsa wood airplanes he was captivated by the art and science of flight. Throughout his life, he built and flew countless model aircraft, finding joy teaching and mentoring others in the art of model aviation and the intricacies of aircraft design. Whether in the workshop or on the flying field, Jim was happiest when surrounded by airplanes, the community built around them, and sharing this passion with others.

Jim leaves behind his children: Aaron Harris, Christopher Harris, Sabra Harris Johnson (Jerry), Rebecca Kaduce (Chris), and Jeremiah Harris (Kelli); and his grandchildren: Schuyler, Braeden, Marley (Kris), Kaydee, Lauren, Amelia, and Samantha. He is also survived by his sisters, Kristi Jolley (Mike) and Holly Urban (David). He is preceded in death by his son, Matthew David Harris; his mother, Mary Tolman Harris; his father, Keith Snell Harris; his brothers, Ted Harris and Jerry Harris; and his sister, Cindy Mondy (Nick).

To honor his wishes, a graveside service will be held at the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado, where his parents and siblings who have passed before him are laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hill Aerospace Museum or the Public Broadcasting Service (pbs.org).

Jim’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mt. Ogden Health and Rehabilitation for their kind and compassionate care, and to Jim’s extended family and friends for all their love and support. Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary.

“He has taken his final flight to clear blue skies.”