Jimmy Earl Harrison

Jimmy Earl Harrison passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Cornerstone Hospice House in The Villages, Florida, surrounded by his children and a niece. Born November 28, 1944, in West Bay, Bay County, Florida, Jimmy was the 11th child in a family of six boys and five girls. His family moved to Astatula in 1948, beginning Jimmy's lifelong connection to Lake County. Through the years, he lived in Astatula, Okahumpka, Tavares, Leesburg, and finally made a family home in Fruitland Park. Jimmy graduated from Tavares High School in 1964 and remained a proud Bulldog. He regularly gathered with alumni and maintained friendships that lasted a lifetime. In May 1964, Jimmy joined the United States Marine Corps, including a tour to Vietnam, serving honorably until August 1968, Sg E-5. His military service ultimately spanned approximately 30 years. He continued serving in the National Guard, attaining the rank of 1Sg (E-8) A Co 2ND Bn 124th Infantry, Leesburg, FL 34748 before retiring. He later answered the call to active duty during Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2003, completing his military career with an honorable discharge on November 27, 2004. Jimmy also served his community in law enforcement as a police officer for the cities of Eustis and Leesburg, as a deputy with the Lake County Sheriff's Office. He served as an auxiliary for Mt Dora police department while also maintaining full-time employment with Hoyt Edwards and H.C. Connell. Jim would later run his own business All Seasons Lawn Maintenance for many years. In June 1966, Jimmy married Alesa Lynn Keels. Together they had three children: Natalie, Melanie, and Joseph “Kyle.” He later married Virginia “Jenny” Kellems of Paoli, Indiana, in 1984 and welcomed her children and their families into his life. Jimmy is survived by his children and their spouses, Natalie and Mark Kraemer, Melanie and Michael Vance, and Joseph “Kyle” and Kimberly Harrison; grandson, Phillip Kraemer; Jenny's children, Sherry, Doug, Mitzy, Brad, and Jennifer, and their families. A large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Jimmy was preceded in death by Alesa Lynn Keels and Virginia “Jenny” Kellems, both of whom shared important chapters of his life; his stepson, Rod; and his beloved K9 daughter and faithful companion, Dolly. He was also preceded in death by all of his brothers and sisters and their spouses: Verlan and Belo Hall; John Martin and O'letha Harrison; James Allen and Carol Harrison; Dolly and James “Oliver” Thomas; Hubbard and Billie Ruth Harrison; Louise and Neal Youngblood; Charles “Charlie” and Marcella Harrison; Alvie A. and Jean Harrison; Annie Mae and James Strickland; and Jeannie Ela Mae and Bob Dennis. During his life, Jimmy was an avid hunter and fisherman. His home displayed trophies and memories from years of outdoor adventures. Among his favorite traditions was the annual fall hunting trips to Indiana with his son Kyle and cast of friends and fellow hunters over the years. Oh, the stories those trips created. The woods—and those who were there—could certainly tell a few. But for Jimmy, the outdoors was about more than hunting. One of his favorite things was simply watching the morning come to life in the woods. He also loved watching the clouds and finding pictures in the big, fluffy ones. Jimmy valued people. Some were family by birth; many others simply became family along the way. His children would call them “FRAMILY.” His home was open, and people knew they were welcome. Jimmy grew up in the church and attended "his daughter's church" Grace Bible Baptist Church Leesburg since 2020, at the time of his passing, he was a member, and he proudly and excitedly called it “MY Church.” He believed in second chances. When someone was struggling or needed work, Jimmy was often willing to give them an opportunity. He wasn't always easy on you, and his words could sometimes sting, but behind his toughness was a desire to see people do better and keep going. Jimmy met many strangers with his familiar “Where are you from?” or his love of the Florida Gator donning his Orange and Blue could turn a stranger into a conversation and, sometimes, a friend. During the final weeks of his life, lifelong friends, military buddies, family, neighbors, and acquaintances came from near and far to see him. Stories were shared—some touching, some hilarious, and perhaps a few about things Jimmy “shouldn't” have done. Jimmy joined in the laughter, even sharing a few lessons with his daughters about what not to do based on the times he himself got caught. Dad. Jim. Uncle Jim. Jimmy Earl. Buzzard. Whatever you called him, you knew exactly what you got—strong-willed, hardworking, fun-loving, and equipped with a tenacity that simply wouldn't quit. He served his country and community, he believed and trusted in the One True GOD, loved his family and friends, treasured the outdoors, welcomed people into his home, and believed in giving others another chance. He was, through and through, Jimmy Earl Harrison. The woods will still wake up in the morning. The clouds will still form pictures in the sky. Old Glory will wave in the wind. And those who loved Jimmy will undoubtedly look at them all little differently now. A funeral service celebrating Jimmy's life will be held at Grace Bible Baptist Church in Leesburg, Florida, on Friday September 25, 2026. Visitation 10:00 a.m. Service 11 a.m. Jimmy will be laid to rest with military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Reception will be held at his home where all are welcome to attend; details to be provided. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Jimmy Earl Harrison

November 28, 1944 - August 26, 2026