Name: James Leon Harris
Jr.
Age: 44.
Family: Married to Diane with four children: Kiera, 18, James III, 13, Jahir, 12, and Kylah, 9.
I live in: Maple Heights.
I'm originally from:
Philadelphia.
Noteworthy activity: He was co-chairperson, along with Dale Walters, a Maple Heights High School teacher,
of the Maple Heights bond issue committee, which sought to have the construction of five new school buildings approved at the ballot box in March. The issue was approved.
Occupation: Business development manager and diversity manager for Strong Tool in Euclid.
What is your favorite thing about the job? That I get the opportunity to deal with people on every level from CEOs to maintenance and engineering.
What is the least favorite
part of your job? Traveling.
Sometimes it gets to be too much and takes me away from my family.
If you could do anything, what would it be? To be CEO and president of my own company.
What would be your dream job? I believe I have my dream job. It allows me to spend time with my family,
but also strengthen my talents.
How would you describe Maple Heights to someone who has never been there? Maple Heights is a changing community with a vast variety
of cultures and personalities.
And it is a growing community that is starting to re-intertwine together.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Spend time with my family.
What is your favorite
hobby? Drawing, and sports, as in playing
basketball.
Where is your favorite place to vacation? Marco Island and Destin, Fla.
What is your favorite book? The Bible.
What is your favorite
type of music? Gospel music and jazz.
Do you have a favorite television show and movie? ESPN "Sportscenter." And I love the religious movies
on Trinity Broadcasting Network.
What is your biggest accomplishment? It's still a work in progress, but to be the best husband, father and community member I can be.
Who is the one person,
aside from family members, that you most admire? Jesus Christ.
Something most people
don't know about me is ... I went to St. Olaf
College in Northfield, Minn. On the TV sit-com, "The Golden Girls," the character
Rose Nylund, played by actress Betty White, was from the fictional town of St. Olaf, Minn.
Compiled by Reporter Tim Troglen