Jess Calven Harris, Jr. was born on January 28, 1929, in San Angelo, TX to Jess and Demetra Harris.

He went to The University of Texas and was accepted into dental school in 1951. Due to his father's death in 1951, he left school to assist his mother in managing the family nursery business. He enlisted in the Army in 1952 and married Ada Louise Farrington on July 23rd of that year. After 2 years in the Army, he was discharged as a corporal and served an additional 4 years in the Army reserves. Jess and Louise had 2 daughters, Gwen "Windy" Estep and Resa Harris Garza. Jess worked for the General Telephone Company being transferred to Texarkana, Texas in 1962. He left the telephone company in 1973 and joined Louise in a real estate company where they worked side by side until selling the business and retiring to Mertzon, TX in 1988.

Jess's hobbies include working in his yard and reading his Louis L'Amour books. He shared his roses with others along with the vegetables from his garden every summer.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Jess and Demetra Harris, his sister Bettie Jo Mathis and his wife of 46 years Ada Louise Harris.

He leaves behind Windy Estep and husband Jim Resa Garza and grandson, Joseph Louis Garza and a step grandson Ryan Estep and wife Lauren. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.