Dr. Harris

Jackson Harris, MD died September 5, 2013, age 87. Born October 6, 1925 in Albuquerque NM to Dr. J.E.J. and Alice Harris, Dr. Harris served in the US Navy and Air Force. He earned degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of Sigma Chi, and Yale University Medical School. In 1957 he began his career as a surgeon at Miller Clinic in Nashville. Together with Dr. Robert Hardin he began the first open heart surgery program at Baptist Hospital in 1969, where he performed heart surgery on over 2000 patients in the course of the next 20 years. At Baptist he served as Chief of Surgery and President of Staff. Dr. Harris's academic appointments included serving as Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery and Thoracic Surgery at Vanderbilt. He held leadership positions in many professional societies, notably as President of the Nashville Cardiovascular Society and President of the Nashville Surgical Society. His many civic and charitable activities included serving on the Board of Directors for United Way, Junior Achievement, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society. He was a member of Cheekwood and the Opera Guild, a Legacy Member of the Nature Conservancy, and a member of Vanderbilt's University Club for over 50 years. Dr. Harris was an accomplished fly fisherman, pilot, avid reader and bridge player, world traveler, and loyal Commodores fan, and he was known to make a mean margarita for those lucky enough to be invited to Happy Hour at Jack's Bar. He was a loving, generous father and grandfather who hosted innumerable family trips and facilitated the gathering of his large dispersed family into a loving unit. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Martha Gene Neyland Harris. Survived by son Jackson Harris Jr Charlotte of Atlanta, daughters Ginger Harris Filbert Gene of Jacksonville FL, Julie Harris Anderson and Jeanne Harris Broadwell Mike of Nashville, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 14, from 2-4 pm at the University Club. Memorials may be made to one of his favorite charities listed above or to the charity of your choice. The family would like to express appreciation for the compassionate and professional care of Dr. Seth Cooper, Dr. Robert Berkompas, and the wonderful staff at Alive Hospice.