Iris I Harris

Iris I. Harris, age 80, passed away on February 11, 2026, at Regional Hospital in San Jose, California. On July 14, 1945, a beautiful baby girl named Iris Irene James was welcomed into the world by her parents, Charles and Genevieve James, at Pawating Hospital in Niles, Michigan. As the second of six children, Iris was treasured from the very start and embraced a life rooted in diligence, compassion, and service. After living in Indianapolis for several years, the family moved to Buchanan, Michigan, where Iris attended Riverside Elementary School and graduated from Buchanan High School. During her high school years, she was a proud member of the tumbling team and cheerleading squad. She participated in the glee club and later sang in the church choir at New Good Hope Baptist Church. Iris loved to dance and sing and was blessed with a beautiful voice. She loved to read and travel, preferring to explore destinations across the United States. She especially enjoyed visiting different beaches, where she found peace and inspiration in the ocean’s beauty. Iris had a gift for hairstyling and was affectionately known as everyone’s beautician during her years in Buchanan. She later relocated to California to start a new chapter in her life. Iris deeply loved gospel music and traveled across the country to attend concerts by her favorite artist, Wess Morgan. She built a dedicated professional career, working as an administrative professional at Xerox Corporation in the 1980s. She later served as a Word Processor with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and as Office Manager and Administrator for Outreach Escort, Inc. Iris continued her commitment to helping others through her work with Home First Services of Santa Clara County, where she assisted in providing homeless services and housing support to those in need. Iris was a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and attended Golden Altar Ministries World Outreach Church in San Jose, CA under the leadership of Apostle Calvin Cook Jr. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she remained devoted to her church community. Iris was preceded in death by her father, Charles E James, her mother, Genevieve James, and her sister, Charlotte Elaine James. She is lovingly remembered by her sisters Andrea Bobbitt, Doris M. James, Delores K. Cook, and Carey James, and a host of nephews and nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, extended family and dear friends. Her family and friends will cherish her laughter, kindness, strength, and generous spirit. Iris found comfort and strength in her faith, holding close her favorite scripture, 2 Corinthians 5:8: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Iris was also inspired by the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:29-31: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” This verse reminded Iris that God's loving watchfulness is always upon us, assuring her that she was never alone and always cherished in His sight. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.