John "Jack" Harris

Dates

December 12, 1928 - May 20, 2026

Obituary

John “Jack” Harris, 97, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Private burial will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.

John "Jack" James Harris was born on December 12, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Jessie (Jones) Harris. Jack grew up working on a farm near Olivet. He graduated from Parkston High School in 1947. Jack attended Augustana College, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Later in his career, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Science in Mathematics from Kansas State University in 1956.

In August 1951, Jack was drafted into the United States Army. He honorably served his country during the Korean War, spending sixteen and a half months deployed in Korea as a cryptologist. He was released from active duty as a corporal and received an honorable discharge in August 1953. Jack worked for the Naval Research Laboratory and the United States Air Force until retirement.

Jack was a member of the St. John's Lodge No. 1 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite Masons, and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Jack is survived by his sister, Kathryn (Richard) Buechler of Scotland, SD.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jessie Harris.

Cemetery

Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, SD

Posted by Shelly Knigge on May 29, 2026

When I worked at Cafe Teresa here in Mitchell. Jack used to come in for breakfast all the time. He always had a smile and a hug for me. He was just a sweetheart. He will be deeply missed.

Posted by Travis Royston on May 25, 2026

I met Jack about 19 years ago…he was a regular at County Fair. One of the nicest people I’ve ever met! So pleasant every time we would speak. Rest in peace Jack!

Posted by Hank Bartscher on May 24, 2026

My deepest sympathy, enjoyed visiting with him at great life!

Posted by Jacque Schumacher on May 24, 2026

Thoughts & prayers to you Kathryn - I fight to know Jack before Covid at the DWU wellness Center - he was always there - I loved his discipline & determination - he was an inspiration to us younger folks! I visited him on his birthday at the nursing home & we had a great visit - I found our last week that his time here on earth was short so I went to see him Wednesday to tell him goodbye & to thank him for being such a great man!

Posted by Sue VanderHeiden on May 24, 2026

Jack was one of the best. I enjoyed waiting on and talking to him every morning. Rest in Peace Jack. You will be missed.

Posted by Carm Roster on May 23, 2026

Sympathy to Jack’s family. We had many conversations during the years I managed the Pepsi Theatre. He was a constant presence at our shows. He would purchase 6 tickets and bring anyone from his apartment complex that wanted to join him. He was a wonderful gentleman that I was lucky enough to get to know. RIP Jack!

Posted by Bruce Schwenck on May 22, 2026

Godspeed Jack!