James Stephen Harris

Mr. James Stephen Harris, of State Road and Gastonia, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025 in Gastonia. He was born September 29, 1955 in Elkin, to James Sherman and Grace McCann Harris. Mr. Harris was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism. Professionally he worked as a writer for the Elkin Tribune and the Gaston Gazette. Mr. Harris enjoyed playing chess. He was a member of Parkwood Baptist Church and attended Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church when he could.

Mr. Harris is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Janice McElveen Harris of the home; sons, Eddie Haynes Jr. and his wife Callie of San Antonio, Texas and Chad Haynes and his wife Beth of Dallas, North Carolina; daughter, Karen Shaub and her husband Don, of Mount Holly, North Carolina; grandchildren, Britney Haynes, Cayla Adams, Chad Haynes Jr., Caleb Haynes, and Grayson Shaub; brother-in-law, Randy McElveen and his wife Sandra; nephews, Kyle McElveen, Daniel McElveen, and Luke McElveen; niece, Holly McElveen; and several cousins.

The funeral service will be conducted Friday, July 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. John Newton and Rev. Kenny Wood officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening, July 24, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service.

The family would like to thank the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church community for loving Stephen and all the family and friends for their support.