(Brevard’s Mayor Jimmy Harris & Louie – aka, cute photo prop)
We posed some fun questions this week to our first ever “Brevardian of the Week” Brevard Mayor Jimmy Harris:
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
The best gift I have ever received was a plaque from my son. He read enough books when he was in 3rd grade to be able to go to the “awards counter” full of candy, crayons, balloons and other select items. Instead of “awarding” himself with candy, he chose a plaque with a silhouette of a father and son holding hands as they walk. An accompanying poem on the plaque speaks to special moments between a father & his son. That plaque hangs on the wall in my office.
What’s been your most embarrassing moment with your children?
My wife has drilled into his head since he was a toddler that smoking is bad! One day, while walking in front of the courthouse, he pointed to a crowd of smokers on break awaiting trial and yelled “look Daddy, bad people”. Pretty embarrassing!What would you say is your life’s motto?
“There is no such thing as “luck.” The true definition of “luck“ is “when preparedness meets opportunity.” I’ve lived by this ever since my father told me this when I was a child. It has motivated me to rely on determination, perseverance and developed skill.
If you were to give special praise to someone right now, who would it be?
Right now, I’d give praise to Heart of Brevard Executive Director Madrid Zimmerman. She flies under the radar in most situations when she is directly responsible for successes enjoyed by the downtown business community. She works tirelessly and approves that others get credit for it. She is worthy of praise.
Who had the most influence (or had the biggest impact) on you while growing up?
My father had (still does) the greatest impact on me while growing up. I only hope to be that positive impact on my children.
What piece of advice that your parents gave you when you were younger, and ignored, do you now wish you would have paid more attention to?
Have children young! I’ll be 50 my next birthday and I will have three children ages 14,10 & 7.
Did you ever break something valuable as a child and not tell anyone?
I dropped a crystal piece belonging to my grandmother. I didn’t tell, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t know!
What is your best (and/or worst) memory of high school?
Best HS memory was Friday night football games. Back then “Blue Devil” pride was epidemic and exciting. The entire town turned out. Parents would threaten the harsh punishment of not letting you go to the game to garner a good result!
Worst childhood moment?
Going to the Dentist at age 4. I was told when asked why the draping was placed on my chest it was so that “blood wouldn’t get on my clothes”. The dental visit didn’t go well from that point on.
Do you remember your first crush?
Her name was Lisa Lewis and we were 9 years old. She was from Mt. Airy. She had long black hair and would let me win when we had a foot race. I should have married her!!
To Jimmy Harris:
I realize Harris isn’t a particularly rare name, but let me throw out some relatives just in case. John Henry Harris (my maternal grandfather), William Henry Harris (John’s father), and Thomas Sydney Harris (William’s father). All of Southern origins. Ran out of ancestors at that point. One never knows, found several cousins by just reaching out.
I’m a Hendersonville County resident.
Ralph, I passed your message on to Jimmy Harris… I think he said he emailed you… did you chat with him via email? Ann