In Memory

John Sherrod Harris - Class Of 1943

John Sherrod Harris

John Sherrod Harris IV passed away peacefully, on August 12, 2019 after a recurrence of prostate cancer from many years ago. John was interred with full military honors, with his beloved wife of 67 years, Kate Kimball Harris '46. John is survived by his son, John Sherrod Harris V (Ruth), daughter, Susan Harris Hoover; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

John was born on October 21, 1925, in Los Angeles to John and Catherine (Norman) Harris. John was close to his sister, Karen (Harris) Van Vlear, and half siblings Van and Marion Harris. During his youth, John moved from West Los Angeles to Glendale, and finally took up roots in San Marino, attending South Pasadena-San Marino High School. During that time he started taking notice of his close friend Bob Kimball's younger sister, Kate, who would later become his bride.

As a member of the Greatest Generation, John was a veteran of World War II. He entered the US Army in January 1943 and, following training at the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, was assigned to the European Theatre with the Artillery Section Headquarters, 7th Army, which was responsible for liberating southern French ports, the Rhone Valley and the final assault and occupation of southern Germany. He served with distinction to his honorable discharge as a Sergeant in May 1946.

When John returned home, he continued his studies at USC, where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, and graduated in 1948 with a BS degree in Business Administration. Kate graduated from USC with a BS degree and they were married in June 1950.

John and Kate had a wonderful 67-year marriage. In the early years, they volunteered as Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Girl Scout leaders, Little League coach, and orchestrated family outings and annual vacations throughout the United States. They loved entertaining family at their vacation beach house in San Clemente, and traveling with their children and grandchildren in Hawaii. 

John acquired a real estate license after graduating from USC, but soon became co-owner of William Penn Finance Company, which made consumer loans. After many years the business was sold and merged with Liberty Loan Corporation of St Louis. In the 1970s John semi-retired from finance. He returned to his roots as a realtor, and opened the John Harris Company on Huntington Drive in San Marino, where he sold residential real estate until his retirement.

During John's business career he maintained a strong commitment to do good work, and be of service to his church and community. John was a lifelong member of San Marino Community Church, where he served as a deacon, elder, usher, and on many committees.  John was recognized in the 1960s for his work with El Calvario Community Center in El Monte, was a past president of the San Marino-South Pasadena Board of Realtors, and held positions in the California Association of Realtors. John was also a Trustee Emeriti, and Treasurer for many years of the Old Mill Foundation in San Marino. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of San Marino since 1977, where he was a past president and in 2017 was awarded the honor of Rotarian of the Year and was at the highest level of Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship.

John was also a loving and devoted father and husband. He provided Kate with exceptional love, compassion and care at home throughout her seven-year illness with Alzheimer's. John faced his declining health and cancer with strength and resilience. His strength and perseverance until the end continue to be an inspiration to us all.

San Marino Tribune, September 6, 2019