William James Harris

William James Harris, Jr. passed away January 9, 2018, in Olympia, Washington, at age 56. Bill was born to Vanda Eloise (James) and William James Harris, Sr. at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, on May 14, 1961. Through the years, Bill moved with his family to various duty stations, which included Royal Air Force Base Woodbridge in Suffolk, England, Bermuda (which was home to his beloved mother), and Washington, D.C. The family settled in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Bill graduated from Suitland Senior High School in Capitol Heights and achieved the dream he had held since he was a young boy—receiving an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, where he graduated as a part of the class of 1984. Subsequently, Bill earned his Master’s Degree in International Relations from Troy State University. Bill started his career as a HC-130 Navigator at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. His next assignment was to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. In Okinawa, Bill served as a HC-130 Navigator and also served as part of the 31st Air Rescue Squadron. It was while standing in line at an LAX airline ticket counter en route to Okinawa that Bill met his wife, Karen. They were married within the year in Honolulu, Hawaii. Bill became a father when oldest daughter, Jordan, was born, followed by daughter, Hayley, 15 months later. It was a role that he was born for. Upon leaving Okinawa, Bill and the family travelled to Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where Bill served as a Tactical Airlift Liaison Officer (TALO) to the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. While in Fayetteville, daughter, Chloe, was born, but did not survive. Life became brighter when daughter, Carly, was born and completed the family. When Bill left the Air Force, the family resettled in Olympia, Washington, and Bill became an Information Technology Specialist for the State of Washington. He first worked with the Department of Ecology and then enjoyed a long tenure with Labor & Industries. Bill was loved and respected by his colleagues at L&I. In 2008, Bill received the American Red Cross Real Hero award for saving the life of a coworker who suffered a serious cardiac incident while at work. He was honored at a reception held at the Governor’s Mansion. Bill was an extremely caring, supportive, and helpful husband to Karen and was a wonderful father. He was a cheering champion for his girls, supporting every step they took. He loved them beyond measure. Bill enjoyed all things Star Trek and looked forward to each installment of the Star Wars movies. He was also a great comic book aficionado and collector, who loved attending Comic Con with his daughters. Bill was an active member of Toastmasters, starting several new clubs in the Thurston County area. He held many offices within the organization, including President, Vice President of Education, and others. He received the highest honor of “Distinguished Toastmaster,” which is bestowed upon those who have achieved Advanced Communication and Leadership. A friend to everyone he met, Bill was loved by so many. He will be greatly missed. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Karen Cosden-Harris of Lacey, Washington; daughters, Jordan of Pullman, Washington, Hayley of Lacey, and Carly of Lacey; and sisters, Erica Baylor of Mitchellville, Maryland, and Rosamond Harris of Capitol Heights, Maryland. He was predeceased by his daughter who died at birth, Chloe Nichole; and his parents. Please leave memories of Bill or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.