James Durley Harris, USAF
February 14, 1944 – April 03, 2016

James Durley Harris, age 72, founder of Brentwood National Bank and Premiere Bank of Brentwood, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 3, 2016 in Nashville, Tenn.

Mr. Harris was born on Feb 14, 1944 in Batesville, Miss.

Jim was a 1966 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and he served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War as a rescue helicopter pilot.

After his military career, he went into the banking industry in Nashville, first at Commerce Union Bank and later went on to serve as President of First Tennessee Nashville. He was also founder and CEO of two Community banks, Brentwood National Bank and Premiere Bank of Brentwood. He was a dedicated community leader and volunteer in Nashville and Brentwood, Tenn.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sandra L. Harris: son, Blake Harris (Alison): daughters, Jenelle Spicer (Bill), Leisha Nischan (Chris): grandchildren, Elaina Nischan, Lindsey Nischan, Sam Spicer, Sabrina Spicer, William Spicer, Leo Harris, Cameron Harris; sister, Judy Harris, and brother, Michael Harris (Debbie).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Christ Presbyterian Church, 2323 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, Tenn. with Pastors Todd Teller and David Filson officiating. Visitation with the family will be held on Friday from 4-6 p.m. and on Saturday from 1-2 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded

~ GUEST BOOK ~

April 7, 2016
He was a fellow Mississippian and graduate of the Class of 1966 at the Air Force Academy. I admired him for being a man of honor, integrity and courage. He lived a life that he could be proud of and we admire. He will be greatly missed. God Bless his family and his friends as they go through this difficult time.
~
Eddy Shirley, San Antonio, TX

April 7, 2016
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C.W. BOWDEN, POPE, MS

April 7, 2016
What a sweet man, Jim was. He coached me in my early days on the Fed. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
~
Paula Lovell

April 7, 2016
Dear Sandy and Family; It was a privilege and an honor to work with Jim at First Tennessee Bank. He was a great banker and community servant whom we all looked up to as a terrific mentor and leader. I have fond memories of our rides back and forth from Hendersonville to the bank and will forever cherish those memories and his friendship. God Bless you all. Condolences for your loss. Deryl J. Bauman.
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Deryl Bauman, Nashville, TN

April 7, 2016
What a great man Jim was, always building others up for success! He was straight forward, yet kind. My condolences.
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Mindy Tate, Franklin, TN

April 7, 2016
So sorry to hear this. I enjoyed him and he was a good man. The family is in my prayers.
~
Jim Bryson, Nashville, TN

April 6, 2016
Dear Harris family, You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
~
Missy Bradley, Nashville, TN

April 6, 2016
Leisha, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for your family.
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Jessie Durham, Nashville, TN

April 6, 2016
I worked at Brentwood National Bank until it bought by another bank. Mr. Harris was a class act and I was lucky to have met him and worked for him. My condolences to the family.
~
Tracy Suiter

April 5, 2016
I will miss his smile, just knowing he is there and will cherish the memories of growing up with such a n awesome, loving Big Brother.
~
Judy Harris, Southaven, MS