James Dick Harris  July 22, 1947 – July 1, 2026

James Dick (J.D.) Harris died peacefully at home in Bel Air on July 1, 2026, with Su, his wife of 55 years, by his side.

Born in Baltimore to Lawrence R. Harris, Sr. and Elizabeth Proctor Harris, he attended St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, and earned his B.A. in economics from Bucknell University. Following graduation, he returned to Bel Air where he joined his father in his insurance agency. He was active in the Maryland insurance industry, earning his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter certification and serving a term as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Maryland.

In the local community, J.D. belonged to a variety of organizations, including the Bel Air Rotary Club, the Highland Society, the Board of Harford County Public Library, the Board of Harford Memorial Hospital, and the Board of Harford Day School. He served his country as a member of the Maryland National Guard and was a lifelong communicant of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

J.D. was happiest when sailing with Su to Annapolis or cheering for his children and grandchildren at swimming, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse events. In recent years, he traded his sailboat for a vacation home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina that he enjoyed sharing with his family. He listened to all types of music, especially classical, and returned to playing the guitar after his grandchildren were born. Fascinated by family history, he traced his Scottish genealogy.

J.D. is survived by his wife Su; his children Stewart (Sarah) and Elizabeth (Jim); his grandchildren Parker Harris, Andrew Harris, Charlie McDermott, and Kate McDermott; his nephew Reed (Therese) and great-niece Haven; and his niece Rosalie Gant (Ryan Hulme). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Lawrence Reed Harris, Jr. and sister-in-law Susan Jacob Harris.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on July 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harford Day School, 715 Moores Mill Road, Bel Air, MD, 21014.