John W. Harris

John passed away peacefully at Spaulding Rehab in Boston, Massachusetts on Sunday, October 17th after various medical complications following a fall at home on August 31st.

John was born in Watford, England and grew up outside of London.  He had a number of different professions in his early life, the most memorable of which was working on the RMS Queen Mary ocean liner for several years.  Later, he worked in the advertising field for a number of agencies.

At 43, John sold his house and decided to travel the world. He traveled non-stop for two years, which brought him to six continents and many beautiful and unusual places.  Tibet, Nepal, India, Russia, and Antarctica were some highlights but he enjoyed all of it.  After all of his adventurous travels, John was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society on November 21, 1988.

Luckily, his travels led him to South Korea where he met his wife Jung Mi. The adventures continued but now with a companion at his side.  John moved to Boston in the early 1990s when he and Jung Mi decided to marry and call Jamaica Plain their home base for their future together.

John was a founding member of the Exploration Group of North Somerset (EGONS), a hiking club in England. For most of his life he loved walking, hiking, caving, and climbing. He was passionate about sharing this with others. He loved hosting events and sharing his evenings with friends. In his later years, his zeal for travel, wine, and good food continued and he was always looking forward to the next adventure.

John was the perfect host. Anyone entering into his home would very soon find a drink in their hand. At one point, he worked his way through a book called "500 Cocktails" - making a new drink everyday. He never failed to offer a perfect libation for any occasion, and in the correct glass!

A true English gentleman, John never failed to call or message when an anniversary or birthday came around. For more than one of his friends, it was John's message that reminded them of the occasion. He was a dedicated friend - his yearly Christmas letter was peppered with the anniversaries, travels, deaths, or accomplishments of those in his wide circle.

Everyone who met him has a story to tell about the experience. John was eccentric and yet always a delight. He was hugely sociable and had a great sense of humor - a true boon while traveling in places where he didn't speak the language and a lucky treat if you happened to be sitting next to his table at a restaurant.  He loved meeting new people as much as he loved keeping up with old friends.  He will be missed.

John is survived by his wife Jung-mi; his son Simon and wife Angela of Newport, Wales; his nephew Martin Jevon of Taunton, Somerset, UK; and his niece Jang, Mi Kyung in London, U.K.