Jim Harrison, a loving husband, father, successful entrepreneur, architect, and gifted artist, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home in Ball, LA, on Saturday, November 28th, 2015. He was 78. Arrangements were entrusted to Gallagher Funeral Home of Ball, Louisiana.

Jim was born on July 21st, 1937, in Henryetta, OK, to James A. Harrison and Marie Totts. The eldest of three sons, Jim and his family eventually moved to Tulsa where he graduated from Will Rogers High School. After enrolling in the University of Tulsa, he transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated with a Degree in Architecture in 1961.

After moving to Dallas, Texas, Jim started his own architectural company, The Harrison Company and won many architectural awards for his work. Soon after, he founded one of the first companies to create renderings for architects, Prelim Architectural Illustration, in the early 1970’s.

While in Dallas, Jim started a family, built them a beautiful home and raised two daughters to love the Cowboys, appreciate art and nature, and learn the fine art of summers spent traveling across the country in a Winnebago. “Dad, how many more miles?” becoming his favorite mantra, no doubt.

After more than a decade running several large businesses, Jim was ready for new challenges. It was at this time that he decided to embark on a new chapter in his life, moving away from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the big city to Santa Fe, where he immediately immersed himself in his artistic pursuits. He opened a gallery, taught art classes and quickly developed a reputation as one of the most successful watercolor and oil painters around.

Following his time in Santa Fe, Jim and his wife, Mary Ann, traveled extensively, always seeking out new adventures and experiences, living in Black Mountain, NC, and settling in Ball, Louisiana. He continued to be an avid painter, reader, and student of the world. He was very passionate and his enthusiasm for ‘the bigger picture’ was contagious. His impact on those closest to him was greater than he realized, and he is sorely missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison of Tulsa, OK, and his brother, David Harrison.

Survivors include his brother Alan Harrison, his wife, Mary Ann Harrison, daughters Tiffani Paynter of Lakeway, Texas, and Kristi Wilkerson, and her husband Eric Wilkerson, of Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any animal rescue charity in his honor.

Friends may post online messages of condolence for the Harrison family by visiting www.gallagherfh.com.