John Hubbard Harris
May 14, 1951 – April 19, 2025

John Hubbard Harris, 73, of Richmond, Va., passed away after a long illness on April 19, 2025.

Born on May 14, 1951, John was predeceased by his parents, Dr. William Henry Harris, Jr., and Katherine Kraft Harris; and by his niece, Katherine Harris McCart.

John filled his life with academic pursuits. He graduated from St. Christopher’s School in Richmond in 1969. John especially loved books, literature, music, theatre and film. He earned a B.A. in English, an M.Ed. in English education and an M.A. in English from The University of Virginia. John returned to St. Christopher’s as an English teacher, The Pine Needle adviser, baseball coach, and organizer of the school’s first three Battle of the Brains teams. He also served as a Latin tutor to Upper School students. John shifted his academic focus to the study and teaching of Latin. He enrolled at UVA to earn an M.A. in classics. During that time, he taught Latin at St Anne’s – Belfield in Charlottesville and helped coach the school’s very successful academic team.

John was a player on UVA’s College Bowl team, winning the National Championship in 1993 and 1997. He was even a contestant on Jeopardy in 1994 and on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. He loved baseball and spent summers as a camper and counselor at Camp Maxwelton, where the camp baseball field was named “Harris Diamond” in his honor. His other summer passion was attending the Chautauqua Institute in New York State, where he enjoyed lectures and concerts.

He spent his final ten years of teaching at Saint Gertrude High School in Richmond. He taught English and Latin and coached the academic teams. As the “Voice of the Gators,” he called the varsity basketball games, and as a faculty member, he was honored twice with yearbook dedications. In 2019, he received the “Distinguished Friend of the School” award.

John is lovingly remembered by his family, friends and students.

He is survived by his two brothers, Tyler R. Harris (Frances) and William H. Harris III (Gail); and their children, Rendall Harris, Tyler Harris, Jr. (Bentley), Kevin McCart, and Lizzie Harris Oglesby (Joe). He is also survived by eight grandnieces and grandnephews.

A private family graveside service was held at Hollywood Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, where John served as an Elder, as well as the announcer for the Sunday service radio broadcast for many years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of John to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1627 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220, The Maxwelton and Lachlan Foundation, PO Box 2201, Charlottesville, VA 22902, St. Gertrude High School, 12829 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238, or St. Christopher’s School, Attn: Development Office, 711 St. Christopher’s Road, Richmond, VA 23226.