Carl James Harris

Carl James “Jim” Harris, 97, of Pekin, passed away on March 14, 2026, at OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Born on August 13, 1928, in Springfield, Illinois, to John and Helen (Davis) Harris, Jim graduated from Pekin High School in 1946. He immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two years with the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division, including 18 months in occupied Japan. He remained proud of his service throughout his life.

Following his military duty, Jim built a long and respected career in the distilling industry. He worked for many years at American Distilling Co. in Pekin before taking on plant management roles in Virginia and Minnesota. He concluded his professional life as a consultant for ADM in Peoria, where his expertise took him on international travels to places such as China and Russia.

Jim was a longtime member of St. Joseph Church in Pekin, where he found joy singing in the Resurrection Choir. He was also active in the Pekin Moose Lodge #916. An athletic man who remained active well into his later years, he enjoyed playing golf, volleyball into his sixties, and faithfully following the St. Louis Cardinals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Dorothy M. (Corky) Harris and Bonnie Imogene (Jean) Harris. Jim is survived by his children, Jim (Nancy) Harris of The Woodlands, Texas, Tim (Terri) Harris of Pekin, Kim (Vanessia) Harris of Pekin, and Kelli Emtairah of Amman, Jordan; his stepchildren, Danny (Teresa) Brooks of Port Angeles, Washington, and Debbie (Randy) Anderson of Volo, Illinois; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and his dear friend Bernadine (Bernie) Ingolia of Pekin.