JOEL S. HARRIS

Joel S. Harris, V, age 65, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at his residence. Born May 19, 1946, in Falls Church, VA, he was the son of Joel S. and Isabel (Clark) Harris, IV.

He graduated with the Class of 1964 from a Virginia high school. Following college, he served as a US Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. With his passion for flying, he was a helicopter pilot employed for 27 years by Flight Safety International, New York, as the Assistant Director of Training. On September 13, 1976, he married Sheila McCann in Fort Wayne. A former resident of Dallas, TX and Florida, he attended First Church of God, Columbia City. His memberships include Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sheila Harris of Columbia City; daughter, Leah (Rob) Lupton of Grand Falls, ND; sons, Joel S. (Jillyn) Harris, VI, of Columbia City and Samuel (Julie) Harris of Lansing, MI; 3 grandchildren; and brother, Bradford Harris of Naples, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Vicki Harris.

To honor Mr. Harris's wishes, the services are private. Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Harris to the Harris family. Services have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.