David S. Harris

A Jamestown resident all his life, he was born December 3, 1950, a son of the late Wilbur and Ardath Johnson Harris.

He was a 1969 graduate of Jamestown High School, graduated with honors in 1971 from Jamestown Community College, and from Western Kentucky University with degrees in Psychology and Sociology.

He started his professional career as founder and director of the Jamestown Area Council on Alcoholism. He attained credentials as a Certified Alcohol Counselor earning the Executive Service Award with the National Council on Alcoholism. During his tenure many programs were developed that were expanded to all of Chautauqua County. In 1982, he began his vocation as a medical representative with Syntex Pharmaceuticals. He served many companies including Genetech, Eckerd’s Specialty Pharmacy Services, Roche Labs, and Lilly. He was also an independent marketing consultant for Partners Health Care. In 2008 he was recognized as one of the top 5% within the Roche Sales force, awarding him the recipient of the Roche President’s Club Award.

For 45 years, Dave was a dedicated swimmer, often finishing 50 laps then meeting with his friends for coffee at Fisher’s. He enjoyed fishing, playing slow pitch softball, participating in his son’s sporting activities, his cabin in the woods, traveling with family, and especially visits from his grandchildren. He was a big fan of the Buffalo Bills, westerns, and popcorn.

Dave was a member of Jamestown and Lakewood Rotary Clubs, the Vikings Lodge, Lakewood Rod and Gun and a board member for the former Harbor House. It would be remiss to neglect his association with “The Rangers”, a group of buddies who met for over 40 years to camp a week at Alleghany State Park.

Surviving is his wife Anita Scalise Harris, with whom he celebrated their 50th anniversary on September 28, 2024; three sons, Joshua (Shannon) Harris of Vienna, VA, Andrew Harris of Jamestown, and Jay (Jennifer) Harris of Tonawanda, NY; six grandchildren Maeve, Camille, Joshua Jr., Adeline, Thomas, and Lillian Harris; and a brother William (Ann) Harris of Lakewood.

The funeral will be held at noon Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 10 am-noon Saturday in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

You may leave words of condolence at www.lind funeralhome.com.