On July 26, 2009, The Jim Hill family, Jackson Public Schools family and the Harris family were all shocked at the news of Coach Fred Harris had suddenly died of a heart attack. News spread quickly about Harris. Parents, students, colleagues and players were all immediately saddened, hurt and lonely because of his death.
A year later, although dealing with it, many still miss coach for his words of wisdom, discipline, and guidance. Fred Harris wasn’t the only the basketball coach, he was the assistant principal at Jim Hill High School. He often counseled students about college and life. He wanted his students to prepare themselves for the obstacles and challenges of life.
For nearly 20 years, Coach Fred Harris paced the sidelines of Jim Hill, making him the longest tenure coach in Jackson Public Schools. This earned him the nickname, the “Dean of JPS Coaches”. This season marked the beginning of a new basketball era at Jim Hill, one without Coach Harris. Stanford Speech, a former player, took over as head coach this past season. Coach Harris had an impact on his senior players. Marquise Bailey was a senior this past season and said that it was a very emotional experience to have a new coach on the sideline. This was the first time that Bailey had to adjust to a new playing style of basketball. “I just went out every game and gave my all,” Marquise said. He added that one of things that he learned from Harris that prepared him for college was, “to always be respectful and that respect can take you a long way. “We had to say thank you, and yes sir and no sir to grown ups,” Coach always said, “You never know who’s watching,”
Jim Hill’s street was changed in honor of Harris. His school is located on the street that bears his name.
Several students have been quoted as calling Harris a father figure. He taught family values. He told young ladies to respect themselves and for young men to be men. One of the things his basketball team was known for was his players could not have facial hair or dreadlocks, twists, etc. In this basketball era of tattoos, dreads, and goatees, one would think it imaginable that they could find 12 to 15 players willing to go along with such a dress code. He was admired by his peers. He was admired by colleagues. He was admired by parents. According to a parent of a former Jim Hill basketball player, Coach Harris instilled a very simple principle into her son and all his players. That principle is “Everyday is a workday.”
Jim Hill students were in tears at the graduation this year thinking about Coach Fred Harris. His legacy is solid, his impact undeniable, and his teachings unforgettable.
From facebook, to blogs, to text messages and email, everyone that missed Coach Harris remembered that one year ago, he departed. They shared stories, tears, and laughter, but most importantly, they shared a connection to one of the most influential men that they had ever known.
Be the first to comment