John Harris

John Cole Harris, 73, of Oceanside, California passed away on November 4th, 2023 after a 14 year battle with Parkinson's disease.

John was born on April 14, 1950 to John and Corrine Harris in Omaha, Nebraska. John served in the Air Force from 1970 to 1974. He attended the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Research institution in Monterey, California where he studied Mandarin, Chinese. He listened and interpreted radio transmissions during the Vietnam War while stationed in the Philippines. He went on to study accounting at San Diego State University.

After graduating with a degree in Accounting, he later passed the CPA exam. He worked for 47 years in this field. His last job where he worked for almost 26 years, was as the Chief Financial Officer for Carleton Management, Inc., a job he thoroughly enjoyed. He had an amazing boss, Jeff Silberman and a team of incredible people that he loved and missed dearly.

In 1985, John met Beth on a blind date. They married on October 29th, 1988. John and Beth went on to have 2 children, Matthew and Christina.

In 2021, John retired and spent his time with Beth and Christina creating many wonderful memories. 

He loved air shows, fast cars, road trips, photography, reading, and science fiction.

He was a history buff who enjoyed going to the movies, eating Julian apple pies, and pizza. He frequently took the family to Disneyland. He loved riding the roller coasters with his arms raised up the highest. 

He was an excellent golfer and had many hole in one certificates. In His younger years he also enjoyed weight lifting, racket ball playing, motorcycle riding, surfing, and water skiing. 

He would take annual trips to Lone Pine and Lake Tahoe. He enjoyed hiking and walking the family beagle, Bonnie at the San Luis Rey Mission. 

John was predeceased by his parents,  John and Corrine Harris. He is survived by his wife, Beth, and his children, Matthew and Christina. Along with his brother, Bob and sister, Debbie, Aunt JoAnn, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and in laws.

John was a loving husband and father with a quick wit and an adventurous spirit. He was a man of faith who considered himself to be extremely blessed and therefore he was passionate about giving back. Together, Beth and John sponsored 6 children over 30 years, through World Vision and Compassion International. In addition they gave to their home church, New Song Community Church and to a variety of Christian ministries. 

Services will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to, an organization called Parkinson's Foundation, a cause that John felt strongly about.