Obituary

Jack Edward Harrison, a life-long resident of Charleston, WV, passed away February 7, 2025, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born February 6, 1948, the son of Leonard and Beulah Harrison. Left to cherish is memory are his loving wife, Sherry; daughter Kristen Harrison (Craig Kay) of Charleston; son, Jeremy Harrison of Houston, TX; sister Jo Ellen Young of Charleston; sister Sally Totten (Junior) of Hurricane, WV; brother Jim Harrison (Debbie) of The Villages, FL; sister Jill Pike of South Mills, NC; brother in law Bill Eades (Anna Maria) of Gainesville, FL; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Jack graduated from Charleston High School and received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from WVU. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and a proud Mountaineer.

Jack began his career working at the WV Chamber of Commerce, he then changed jobs becoming the Director of Employer Services for the WV Worker’s Compensation Fund. The Summer of 1977 Jack began working for American Petroleum Institute where he remained until 1999, serving as both the assistant director and director. Jack ended his career at Goodwin Goodwin as their Director of Government Affairs. He retired January 1, 2025. Throughout his life Jack was always able to demonstrate his authentic self on the job. He was a man of integrity, kindness, knowledge, and unfailing sense of humor.

Jack was a dedicated public servant who had many interests and hobbies that he managed to integrate into service for others. He volunteered at the Charleston Public Courts Tennis Tournament for over 20 years. Serving as co-director for 13 years. Jack was an enthusiastic and committed City Councilman for 16 years, feeling honored to serve and represent the citizens of Charleston. He also delighted in the 11 years he volunteered at Habitat for Humanity. His participation in activities at First Presbyterian Church for over five decades were numerous and diverse. He played softball, coached girls’ basketball, taught both youth and adult Sunday school, participated in Scatter to Serve, Habitat Blitz builds, projects at Bluestone Camp, and workdays for church members, not to mention serving many meals over the years. Last but not least, he was the official designated church bus driver for the Koinonia Sunday School Class.

Jack loved the combination of people and games. He was an avid tennis player who was competitive, enjoyed the fellowship, fun, and a bit of “trash talking”. Any day of the week you could find him at CTC, racket in hand ready to play with “the guys,” always understanding a win was short lived. His Saturday morning “Cupcake Tennis” was cherished for decades. A highlight for Jack was being on the 4.0 “Dream Team” that won the 1990 National Tennis Championship in Palm Springs, CA. Jack also coached the girls’ and boys’ tennis teams at GW High School for several years. You could say Jack was the pickleball ambassador, totally embracing the new sport and enthusiastically encouraging others to play. It was not uncommon for him to play tennis and pickleball back-to-back on Saturday morning.

People were always important to Jack. He had many friends of all ages, and he treated them all the same. His kindness, sense of humor, and interest in others transcended age and relationships. Jack encompassed all the qualities of a genuinely caring person.

First and foremost, Jack was a family man. The love of his family was his main focus. He loved and respected his parents, siblings, and extended family, including Sherry’s family too.

His most treasured, adored, and loved accomplishment, as he said, were his two children Kristen and Jeremy. He affectionately referred to them as his favorite daughter and favorite son. (He would probably show you their pictures if you had a minute). He loved them unconditionally from the moment they were born until the moment he died. He was a father that was truly a gift from God.

Jack and Sherry met in high school, dating off and on until they married in 1973. He was a devoted and loving husband for 51 years. They loved each other and were committed to their marriage for a lifetime.

Most importantly, Jack had deep faith that was the foundation of his life. That faith enabled him to live and die trusting in God’s promise of everlasting life.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 27, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Habitat for Humanity Kanawha/Putnam, 15 Court Street, Charleston, WV 25301 and First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301.

You may send condolences to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.