Dr. James Selden Harris

Dr. James Selden Harris, 75, died unexpectedly Sunday, December 30, 2007, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, N.C.

For 40 years, Dr. Harris was a beloved family physician in his native Blackstone. He also served as Mayor of his hometown for 24 years, from 1982-2006. Prior to becoming Mayor, he served 10 years on Blackstone Town Council, from 1972-1982.

"Dr. James," as he was affectionately known by his many patients, was a past President of the Virginia Municipal League. In 1990, he was named Virginia Family Physician of the Year.

Dr. Harris, his late brother, Dr. A. Epes Harris, Jr. and fellow native son, Dr. Stuart B. White co-founded Blackstone Family Practice Center, a premier teaching facility that produced approximately 200 rural family physicians.

Dr. Harris was a 1949 graduate of Blackstone High School, a 1953 graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, a 1960 graduate of University of Virginia School of Medicine, and he completed his rotating internship at the Medical College of Virginia. He served as President of the Hampden-Sydney student body 1952-1953. He served in the United States Marines Corps from 1954-1956.

Dr. Harris loved his hometown and its people. He was a devoted Christian, wonderful husband, and loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was known far and wide as a healer, comforter, counselor, teacher, and mentor. Dr. Harris will be missed by his many former patients, who recall his warm, compassionate bedside manner. As Mayor, he was regarded as a diplomat and ambassador, who presided with grace and dignity.

Dr. Harris was a Past President of Blackstone Rotary Club and remained active in Rotary until his death. He was a 1967 recipient of the William C. Coleburn, Jr. Father of the Year Award from the Blackstone Jaycees. In 1976, he was awarded the Algernon-Sydney Sullivan Medallion, the highest alumni award that can be bestowed upon a Hampden-Sydney graduate.

Dr. Harris was a lifelong member of Blackstone Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and choir member. The gifted baritone often sang solos at weddings, funerals, church services, and other special occasions. Dr. Harris sang at his own wedding, and "O Holy Night" was a Christmas Eve treat for many years at Blackstone Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Frances Mayes Parson Harris of Blackstone; two sons, the Rev. Dr. James Selden Harris, Jr. (Liz) of Virginia Beach, and Dr. Sydney Madison Harris (Suzanne) of Danville; a daughter, Frances Harris Schwabenton (John) of Blackstone; two sisters, Lunette Harris Beale of Farmville; Katherine Harris Coleburn of Blackstone. He was predeceased in 1988 by his only brother, Dr. A. Epes Harris, Jr. Dr. Harris is also survived by nine grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. and 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Friday, January 4, 2008, at the residence, 500 Brunswick Avenue, Blackstone, VA 23824. His remains will lie-in-state at the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Road, Business Hwy. 460 during these times. Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 5, 2008, at the Blackstone Presbyterian Church with burial to follow in Lakeview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blackstone Presbyterian Church, 301 Church Street, Blackstone, VA 23824. www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com

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