James W. "Jimmy" Harris

James W. “Jimmy” Harris 76, of Bonita Springs died Friday, October 1, 2021 at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice. Jimmy was born on December 15, 1944 in Canton, OH a son of the late William H. and Ethel L. (West) Harris, Jr. He had been a resident of Bonita Springs since 1960 coming from Canton, OH. In 1962, he enlisted in the US Army and served for 3 years and was discharged in 1965. After returning to Bonita Springs, Jimmy worked as a mechanic and his love for cars began. In 1977, he established Harris Auto Center, Inc. an automotive recycling center. Over the years he also owned Automotive Centers around Southwest Florida including Bonita Radiator and Bonita Auto Clinic. He was forced to close Harris Auto Center in 2003 due to health reasons. He loved antiques, old classic cars, motorcycles, fishing and racing. He raced around the state in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Bradenton and New Smyrna Speedway. He was well known at these speedways with his orange and white race car #00, also known as the “Bonita Bandit”. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, the Eagles, American Legion Post 303 and the VFW Post 4254. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa M. Harris, son, Charles B. Harris and his stepson, Sam Richardson all of Bonita Springs, FL; and 4 grandchildren, Alisha Harris, Vanessa Richardson, Logan Richardson, and Waylon Squires. He also leaves behind his siblings, Chuck Harris of Canton, OH, Robert Critean of South Carolina, Sally Critean of Paris, OH, Merrie Lou DiLuzio and her husband, Dave of Bonita Springs, FL and Sue Ann Tauriello and her husband, Danny of Delray Beach, FL and his favorite cousin, Carol Gump and her husband, Leo of Bonita Springs, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Reggie Ivy who was 39 when he died in 2006 and two sisters, Donna Ward and Sandy Broughton. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home 28300 So. Tamiami Tr., Bonita Springs, FL 34134. A reception for family and friends will follow. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home and Crematory Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

James W. "Jimmy" Harris

December 15, 1944 - October 1, 2021