JB Harrison

JB Harrison, a devoted father, proud grandfather, and distinguished United States Marine, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on December 17, 1939, in Savannah, Tennessee, he was the beloved son of Jim Brown Harrison and Blanche Young. JB spent his early years in Savannah and graduated from Central High School, where the values of integrity and resilience that would define his life first took root.

JB answered the call to serve his country with honor, dedicating 22 years to the United States Marine Corps and rising to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. His service carried him across the globe, with assignments in Okinawa, Japan; Marine Corps Base Hawaii; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Camp Pendleton, California; and Naval Base San Diego. His valor was most profoundly demonstrated during the Vietnam War, where he completed three tours of duty. For his bravery, JB was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with “V” device reflecting his extraordinary courage, valor and steadfast commitment to his fellow Marines.

On July 20, 1963, JB married the love of his life, Sharon Jean Asbury Tanner, who preceded him in death on June 3, 2020. Together, they built a life rooted in love and shared purpose, raising four daughters: Kimberley Harrison-Ortiz, Kristy Sheive, Kerry Harrison, and Ashley Harrison. JB’s enduring legacy also lives on through his cherished grandson, Jacob Harrison.

After retiring from the Marine Corps in December 1980, JB pursued a life filled with meaningful hobbies and quiet joys. A passionate baseball fan, avid reader and skilled coin collector, he also found deep satisfaction in woodworking, fishing, bird watching, and gardening—activities that reflected his appreciation for craft, patience, and nature. Yet, above all, JB’s greatest devotion was always to his family and beloved pets.

JB will be remembered for his warmth, wit, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. For him, Semper Fidelis—Always Faithful—was more than the Marine Corps motto; it was the guiding principle of his life, reflected daily in his loyalty to his family, friends, and country. His steadfast love and strength were constant sources of comfort and inspiration.

An internment service to honor JB Harrison’s life and military service will be held on September 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas, with full military honors to follow.

As we gather to celebrate JB’s remarkable life, we hold close the values he lived by—love, service, honor—and the enduring memories he leaves behind. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.