A memorial service for Jeffrey Neil Harris, 51, of Glendale, Arizona and formerly of Nacogdoches will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at 11:00 am at Laird Funeral Home with Rev. C.V. Yarborough officiating.

Jeff was born in Lufkin, Texas on November 22, 1959. He grew up in Nacogdoches and attended the public schools through graduation at NHS in 1978. He played baseball and football in high school and was a member of the NHS Band, where he played the tenor saxaphone. He started his music career in the sixth grade. While in Junior High School, he performed with his football team and then would change clothes at half-time to march with the band. Afterwards he would change back to his football uniform.

He spent three years at SFA and was a member of the Stage Band, playing his Selmer-Six, Mark II Tenor Sax. After leaving college, he began a career in music, performing with small bands in the area. His love of Jazz music was real, but he adapted to all types in later years. Whether he was playing a small gig, or with some well known artists, he was in paradise playing his horn. In later years he also learned to play the flute and keyboards. He filled his rather short life on this earth with his true love, music.

Jeff is survived by his parents, Furman and Carolyn Hamilton Harris of Nacogdoches; a sister, Lynn Harris Cooper and husband, Joe Pat of Lufkin; two brothers, Brent Harris and wife, Karen Kendrick Harris of Nacogdoches and Eric ""Rusty"" Harris of Nacogdoches; his aunts, Helen Harris Payne of Las Vegas, NV, Katie Harris Wray of San Antonio, Texas, Mavis Harris Robertson of Lufkin, Texas and Bobbye Harris Wukasch of Silver Hills, Alabama; one uncle, Tommy Hamilton and wife, Charlotte of Nacogdoches, Texas and their two daughters, Nikki Strahan of Nacogdoches, Texas and Pam Bulls of Buffalo, Texas; three nieces, Jocelyn ""Josie"" Harris of Austin, Texas, Allyson ""Ally"" Harris of Nacogdoches, Texas and Madison ""Maddy"" Harris of Nacogdoches, Texas; two nephews, Tyler Cooper of Lufkin, Texas and Austin ""Slade"" Harris of Nacogdoches, Texas; special friend, Don Herman of Glendale, Arizona; as well as a host of cousins and other extended family, friends and aquaintances.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herman M. and Vallie Lucas Harris and Robert B. and Madgie Birdwell Hamilton.

May the Sadness of Jeff's death be overcome by the celebration of his life. (Mom and Dad)

In lieu of flowers contributions of memory my be made to, Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower St, Phoenix, Arizona 85014 or to the NHS Band Boosters Club at Nacogdoches High School.