John Ray Harris

John “Jackie”, Ray Harris, 67, passed away, Monday, November 7, 2009. Jack was born to Albert and Edna Harris in Gary, Indiana in 1942. The family moved to El Paso in 1948 where he grew up. As a young boy he played baseball for the Lower Valley Optimist, and then continued to play for the Ysleta Indians. He attended Texas Western College, during which he was a member of the National Honorary History Fraternity. After receiving his Bachelors Degree in History, he moved out to Los Angeles for two years to play for the California Angels Organization. Jack then decided to move back to El Paso where he began his teaching career at Ysleta High School, and also coached baseball. While he was teaching he was in the Army Reserves from 1965 to 1971, and completed his master’s degree of Education in 1972. Jack married his wife, Jacky, in 1976. During the same year he was named Teacher of the Year for Ysleta High School where he taught history, government, and geography. They began their family and had three children, Christy, David, and Whitney, While the kids were growing up he coached T-ball, little league and other various baseball and basketball teams. After 31 years at Ysleta, Jack went on to teach at Bowie High School for nine years, and then one year at Immanuel Christian Academy. He was involved with his community and church his entire life. In 1994 he was inducted into the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame. He also worked for the El Paso County probation Office. Jack was an active member of his church. He served as Education Director, Deacon, and Elder at Eastside Christian Church and Celebration Christian Church. Jack was preceded in death by his father Albert Ray, his mother Edna and his brother Albert. He is survived by his wife Jacky, his children Christy, David, and Whitney. A Viewing will be held on Thursday, November 12 from 4-8 pm at Sunset Funeral Home East located at 750 N. Carolina Dr. Services will be held at 10:30 am Friday, November 13, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home-East.In lieu fo flowers the family asks for donations to the Alzhemer's Association or the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame.