John E. C. "Ted" Harris

John (“Ted”) Harris, 89, a resident of Holden, Mass., died on July 28, 2024 after a long illness. Ted was the son of the late John E. Harris, MD and Rebecca Harris of Sarasota, Fla.

Ted was a cum laude graduate of Amherst College and of Virginia Theological Seminary where he received a master’s degree of divinity. He also earned a master’s degree of theology from Duke University and a doctorate of ministry degree from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Sarasota, Fla.

Ted was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church with a canonical residence in the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia with a license in the dioceses of Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts. He served as a priest to parishes in Georgia, Virginia and North Carolina. During that time, Ted ministered in clinical pastoral and counseling capacities at Duke University Hospital, Tidewater Psychiatric Institute (Vir.) and Norfolk (Vir.) General Hospital.

Following his parish ministry, Ted became a certified professional supervisor of clinical pastoral education at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and four other medical and psychiatric institutions.

Upon his retirement, Ted traveled with his wife, Deborah, throughout Europe and parts of the Middle East. In addition to his theological studies, Ted was a Jungian scholar. He loved classical music and painted watercolors. Ted was an active member of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Holden, Mass. and volunteered for elder services in the Worcester, Mass. area.

Beloved by family and friends, Ted was a source of inspiration for all who knew him—a boundless spirit, who touched others with his generosity, wit and wisdom. He had a deep concern for others and was respected for his fresh, iconoclastic, ideas, often challenging the status quo.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Johansen Harris; his former wife, Judith; his son, John S. Harris of Marion, AR; his daughter, Anne Roach of Olive Branch, MS; three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Memorial services will be held later this year at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Holden, Mass. and at Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, Fla. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Brookhaven Hospice, 114 Turnpike Rd., Suite 206, Westborough, Mass. 01581.