Steven Terry Harris

Steven Terry “JB” Harris passed away on January 10, 2026, at his home in Ririe, Idaho. He was born September 1st 1955 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was the oldest of three children born to Larry Dean Harris and Beverly Morrow. As a baby he earned the nickname “JB”, and it stuck with him his entire life.

Growing up he lived across the US and abroad, including in Rapid City, South Dakota; Thailand; and the Netherlands. He spoke fondly of his time in these places, but he always looked forward to spending his summers in Palisades, Idaho with his grandparents Lee and Pearl Harris. He always said it was a young boy’s paradise. He and his brother Mike spent their days fishing, chasing squirrels and running the hills from sunrise to sunset. In 1973 he returned to the US from Thailand to live with his Aunt and Uncle Helen and Dallon Mason in Texas to finish school before returning to Idaho.

In 1980, he moved to South Africa for a job, and there he met the love of his life, Kathleen Corlett. For her, it was love at first sight. They were married in Johannesburg on August 28, 1981. Together they had many adventures exploring South Africa; backpacking the Drakensburg, safaris to Kruger National Park, and beach excursions to the coast. Though he loved Africa, Idaho always called to JB and in 1983 he brought his bride from Johannesburg, a city of millions, to Ririe, Idaho, where she cried the first time they drove down main street. She quickly warmed to the area and together they built a life full of love.

In 1984 JB and Kathy welcomed their first child, their daughter Teneile, followed by sons Turner in 1990, Tate in 1992, and Trenton in 1993. He loved his family fiercely and showed that love through his acts of service. He was a creative problem solver and could fix just about anything with innovative solution.

JB was a lifelong admirer of the outdoors and that is where he felt the most joy. In the 90’s he summited all 9 of Idaho’s 12,000 ft peaks, many with his hiking buddy Craig Kantack. At the age of 50, he took up snowboarding with his sons and taught his daughter and wife the skill as well. He spent many winter and spring days gliding down the slopes with his family and friends, a hobby he continued until his passing. The last few years he spent his summers working on a wildland fire crew. This was his favorite “job” and he looked forward to being called out each summer. He travelled extensively across the Western US fighting fires. It was a grand adventure for him. His latest passion was e-mountain biking. He pedaled thousands of miles with his children and grandchildren through the mountains of Idaho. He passed his love of the outdoors on to all his children, and they in turn have passed that love on to their children.

JB was an avid photographer, and his legacy will live on through the thousands of photos he took – from wildlife to landscapes, family events to portraits. His gallery can be viewed at www.flickr.com/photos/biglost

JB was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Harris, his grandparents Lee and Pearl Harris, and his grandfather Floyd Morrow.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kathy Harris of Ririe, Idaho; his daughter Teneile Harris of Ririe, Idaho; his son Turner Harris of Mountain Home, Idaho; his son Tate (Debbie) Harris of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his son Trenton (Sadee) Harris of Menan, Idaho; his 6 grandchildren who called him Pa: Liam, Emma, Warren, Wilder, Evie and Winnie, as well as all the beloved dogs is his life: Peppa, Twiggy, Hank, Forrest, Bridger, Jesse, Penny, Yoda and Jax.

In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held at this time. A family celebration of JB’s life will be held at a later date.