James Elmo Harris

James (Jim) Elmo Harris, known fondly as the “nice gentleman” in the little red building behind Spike’s who could answer any question about your property in Crawford County, passed away on November 11, 2025.

Jim was born on August 21, 1935, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, to James P. and Vivian (Reatherford) Harris. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from April 8, 1958, to April 5, 1960, serving most of that time in Germany.

After completing his military service, Jim moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he began his career as a title insurance examiner with Burton Abstract & Title. After eight years in Detroit, he transferred to the company’s Grand Rapids office. In 1974, Burton Abstract & Title purchased Crawford County Title and offered Jim the position of manager in Grayling. Shortly after his move, First American Title acquired Burton Abstract & Title, and in 1984, Jim purchased the Grayling office himself, becoming an independent agent. He sold half of the business to MaryAnn Ferrigan in 1999 and his remaining interest in 2010 — though he never truly retired until 2015, at the age of 80.

Soon after moving to Grayling, Jim met Mary Jane Ferrigan, who became his close friend and companion for nearly 20 years. Together they enjoyed traveling to wrestling meets across the country and vacationing in Alabama, Florida, and Oregon. Jim helped Mary raise three of her seven sons and one daughter, and he continued to be a beloved part of the Ferrigan family even after Mary’s passing in 1995. He was “Grandpa Jim” to 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Jim was a proud and active member of the Grayling Rotary Club from 1974 to 2019. Deeply dedicated to Rotary’s mission, he could always be counted on to lend a hand — whether it was the minstrel show choir, parades, rummage sales, the Gran Fondo, or even BBQs (though he wasn’t particularly fond of the kids’ Christmas lunch). He never returned a single ticket or calendar. In recognition of his years of service, Jim was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow in 2006. Jim was also a member of the Plainfield-Alpine Jaycees and served as secretary, external vice-president and then as president while living in the Grand Rapids area.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held among his family in the spring. The family extends heartfelt thanks to his wonderful caregivers at The Brook of Grayling, who loved and supported him over the past six years.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, dry sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his community.

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.