Thomas Harris

Thomas Jesse Harris II, 87, of Prescott, passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2026, with his wife, Charlene, and daughter, Karen, by his side.

Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He possessed a jovial spirit and quick wit, bringing laughter and levity to those around him while never shying away from life’s serious moments.

Thomas was born on December 26, 1938, in San Bernardino, California, son of Zula Clark Harris and Thomas Jesse Harris. He was one of twelve children born to his father.

In his youth, Tom excelled in athletics and enjoyed baseball, alpine skiing, and water skiing. 

At age 17, Tom graduated early from Pacific High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served as an Air Traffic Control and Warning Specialist, receiving training in Mississippi and assignments in Alaska and California. During his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal.

Tom dedicated 22 years to public service as a police officer with the Palo Alto Police Department. Following his law enforcement career, he worked for Hewlett Packard and Lockheed Martin Space Systems before retiring with Charlene to Prescott in 2005. 

Tom was married three times. His first marriage blessed him with three children: Richard, Karen, and Philip. In 1985, he married Charlene, the love of his life, and together they shared more than four decades of marriage. Tom embraced Charlene’s adult children, Brenda and Scott, loving them as his own.

Tom’s passion for railroads was reflected in his meticulous N-scale model railroad layouts. He was an active member of a model railroad society in the San Jose area for many years. He also loved classic automobiles—especially Corvettes—and enjoyed rebuilding engines and performing bodywork, always keeping his cars immaculate and show-ready.

Tom believed in purchasing the best tools and equipment one could afford and then using them to develop the skills necessary to become the best craftsman and technician possible.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene; his children Richard, Karen, Philip, Brenda, and Scott; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his siblings Charlotte and Clark.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings.

A private interment ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tom’s name to the National Fraternal Order of Police Foundation.

Tom lived a full and meaningful life marked by service and dedication to his country, his community and love for his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.