Harrison Robert James, III, 55, of Kingsport TN. passed away May 5, 2009 at Holston Valley Medical Center.
He
was born February 5, 1954 in Abingdon, VA. He worked for BB&T Bank
for the last twenty years and most recently served as Financial Center
Leader. Harrison was the Assistant Chief at Sullivan County Volunteer Fire Department. He had also volunteered at Piney Flats Volunteer
Fire Dept. and Abingdon Fire Department. He also enjoyed playing golf,
fishing, hunting and entertaining his friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel James.
Surviving
are his wife of fifteen years, Lynn James, daughter, Carla Bidwell and
husband Chris, Acworth, GA., Father, Harrison R. James, Jr. and wife
Wilma. Grandson, Lucas Bidwell. Sisters, Susan Aleshire and husband
John, Luray, VA., and Ellen James, Abingdon, VA., and his Special Pet,
Proby.
Harry's
personality shined though the speakers each week as many raced side by
side with him from the early days of N4Nites to just a couple years ago.
Last year, Harry joined us for a few races. Memories of "the old times" were re-lived and it was fun having him rejoin us.
In 2007, Harry took home his last win at
Atlanta in one of our pickup races although he was always a front
runner. Harry drove the #40 car and was one of the "good guys" on the
track. Clean racing was in his blood but even the best of drivers have a
few 'memorable moments" that stand out from the rest.
Sept,
07, Harrison experienced one of those "exciting moments" with us at New
Hampshire Motor speedway. We had a 17 car field for this race. Harry
placed 6th after leading the most laps, only to be involved in a massive
last-lap accident that mirrored a finish reminiscent of Nascar driver Carl Edwards at Talladega a couple weeks ago. Harrison Flipped and skidded across the finish line at Atlanta, finishing 6th.
During
an Atlanta race (2006) at N4Nites, he and I got knocked around a bit
while front running. Later that night - he took the time to send me a
personal e-mail apologizing for the contact even though he apologized
over the air. A very considerate and compassionate driver he was, and
we were fortunate to have him race with all of us.
Harrison James loved Lowes and was a wizard there - he was a regular pole winner at this track and most didn't even try to challenge him for the pole because he was "just that fast".
