WHATEVER HAPPENED TO NICKY HARRIS?

NICKY AND HIS REBELLIOUS YOUTH

    The Stan and Ginger Harris family moved to Winston Salem from Lenoir when Nicky was just a tot.  His father had taken a job as the superintendent of the Winston Salem Water and Sewer Division.   Nick has an older sister, Stephanie Harris Norman (RJR59) and a younger sister, Libby Harris Farrell (RJR64).

    In the early fifties in Winston Salem, the Harris family first lived on Elizabeth Avenue in Ardmore, then later Pennsylvania Avenue in the Country Club area.  The children entered grade school at Whitaker Elementary and as the years passed, they matriculated to R.J. Reynolds High School.   It is there in the 8th grade where many of us met Nicky.  Usually, with a smile on his face and a glint of mischievousness in his eyes, Nick was well-liked but with a serious deportment problem.  In fact, some have said that he was a juvenile delinquent.  (the same thing was said about me and many of my buddies also, but I won’t mention any other names).

     Perhaps an underlying reason for Nick’s troubles stemmed from one of the most terrible moments imaginable that he experienced as a teenager.  His mother committed suicide and Nicky found her body.  Only God knows what emotional damage this might have done.  Certainly, such an experience would leave an indelible imprint on a young person’s being for the rest of their life. So, from early on, Nick had a lot to overcome.

   When Nick was 17 years old and a senior at Reynolds High, his life was in a crash dive, tail spinning down to  who-knew-where.  Then came the straw that broke the camel’s back!  Nick had been given the opportunity to drive a late model Ford with a big interceptor engine.   It was no-beer Sunday in Winston Salem, so Nicky and a carload of friends headed to Greensboro to buy beer.  With Budweiser on their minds, the interceptor engine roared as Nick sped down the road toward the Greensboro at speeds as high as117 miles per hour.  The police stopped him and in a split second, Nick’s life was changed!

HERE THE JUDGE COMES!

   It was a grim moment in the Greensboro Courthouse when the wily old judge peered down through his thick spectacles, looking point blank into young Nicky’s eyes. “Young man,” the judge growled, his face scrunched in a scowl. “You have two options!   First, I can put you on the chain gang for six months repairing the roads of Guilford County, or secondly, you can get the hell out of North Carolina by joining the military and getting as far away from this county as you can get!” 

    For a split second, Nick’s mind danced in befuddlement -what to do, what to do?  But it was a no-brainer. “Judge,” Nick replied, “I may be stupid, but I’m not crazy.  I’ll take the second option – I will join the military

   Soon, Nick was on the way to California where he went to Navy basic training in San Diego, then after that, he was headed for the Naval Air Station at Oak Harbor, Washington.   There, he would serve on aircraft carriers, helping to outfit and prepare pilots for their Navy air wing service.  

GOD SMILES

        It happened when Nick was at liberty some 20 miles away from the base in the small town of Mt. Vernon, Washington.  There, he met some high school kids, one of whom was a beautiful young lady – actually, according to Nick, she was a “knockout!”  Nick was instantly and permanently smitten!  Her name was Judy Limoges.  She was 16, Nick was 17.  She was beautiful and – “wow!” as Nick would say, “what a shape!”  Nick and Judy started dating in the summer of 1962 and the courtship flourished.  Judy liked this down-home southern boy who they called REB, and she particularly liked his tar heel accent.  At first Nick was a novelty, but soon he was an item.  

CAN I SAY “KNOCKED UP “IN CHURCH

   It wasn’t long before Judy found herself pregnant or, as Nick would say, some sixty plus years later at Judy’s memorial service. – “she got knocked up,” then in a way that only Nicky could do, he feigned having misspoken and said, “Uh, oh, can you say that in church? “Then, with a Nicky Harris gleam in his eyes and a mischievous grin on his face, he made a tongue and cheek correction – “I meant to say, “she was with child.”  Nick’s humor turned the otherwise mournful occasion into a joyous celebration of this woman that he loved so very much.

MARRIAGE PLANS

    So, back in 1962, Nick and Judy began making marriage plans.  Of course, Judy was a Roman Catholic and Nick was “flexible.”  He and Judy went to meet with the priest who told him he would perform the wedding, provided Nick would become a Catholic.   Nick’s response was, “I would be a hamburger to marry Judy!”  So, Nicky agreed to attend Catechism classes.  Nick and Judy did attend one class and then got married, but that was it for Catechism classes.

NAVY RULES RULE

    Thereafter, with Nick still in the Navy and still having a chip on his shoulder, he ran into another obstacle.  – Navy Rules – He got himself caught slipping off base to see his new wife Judy, then got caught two more times.  Soon he was brought before the Commanding Officer on a Rule 19, Captain’s Mast – a court martial.  He was about to be kicked out of the Navy with a bad conduct discharge for his multiple AWOLs – but then, an amazing intervention took place.  Just in the nick of time, 17-year-old Judy, still pregnant with child, boldly went directly to the commanding officer’s home and persuaded him to give her husband another chance.  Amazingly, the CO backed down and allowed Nick to dodge the bad conduct discharge bullet and serve the rest of his term in the Navy with honor.

 BELIEVE IT OR NOT!    

 NICKY BECOMES A COP! GO FIGURE!

    On June 28, 1963, Judy and Nick had their first child – “Mike.”  With Nick out of the Navy, he became of all things, a police officer in Anacortes, Washington. “If you can’t beat ‘em, join’ em,” Nick would say.  Amazingly, for the next six years, Nick worked as an undercover police officer.  Much of his territory included the many ferry terminals in the area, which were dangerous places and known for drug trafficking.  Fortunately, Nick survived. 

    Judy went to work as a meat wrapper at Safeway but later changed jobs and became a secretary/principal for Whitney Elementary School.  She took her job seriously and looked after the kids with a vengeance, even standing up to her supervisor for their sake.  She did her job well and was well loved.

    Meanwhile, Nick and Judy were busy. On May 29,1964, child number 2 – Rick - was born.  On December 26, 1965, child number 3 -Todd - was born.   Finally, after six years as a cop, Nick changed jobs and became a Ford Motors car salesman. He excelled and he kept advancing and after years of faithful service, he became the principal owner of the Frontier Ford Dealership in Anacortes, Washington where he stayed for 17 years.

MIKE, RICK AND TODD

   Over the remainder of the 70s and most of the 80s, life appeared to go really well.  Nick and Judy’s three boys did well through their teenaged years, and all were good athletes in all sports.  They were all-Northwest this, and all-Northwest that, and Rick was even a state champion in wrestling.   Frequently one or the other would get their names in the paper for their accomplishments.   They made their mom and dad proud!   

LIFE TAKES A FRIGHTENING DOWNTURN        

 For a while, all was well, but just when Nick thought he had the world by the tail, just after school ended and Nick graduated from high school, things really started to change.  Nick and Judy were confronted with a new fear, a fear so dreadful that it would nearly consume them.

Why were the boys having developmental problems.  After all, their upbringing had been good and certainly it was not without love – but they had to concede that it was WITHOUT JESUS.

   Much of the problem manifested itself when Mike began having severe emotional issues. Nick’s lifetime experiences had given him some insight at recognizing Mike’s developmental problems – even the signs of suicidal tendencies.  The situation became increasingly dire, and soon Nick saw suicide written all over Mike’s lifestyle.  Judy and Nick were not sleeping as they worried that the next phone call might be the authorities calling for them to come identify Mike’s body.    To them, the thought of losing Mike was unthinkable and brought on enormous heartache and worry.   Their mental anguish became so excruciatingly unbearable that one night Nick was at his wit’s end.  Nick, who had been a marathon runner, couldn’t sleep.  Late on that final night, Nick felt compelled to climb out of bed and go for a run.  He had to find some peace, somehow!

THE EPIPHANY

     As he ran, Nick’s desperation hit him squarely in the face like a ton of bricks!  Just when he was at the corner of Alaska and Oaks Avenue, his exasperation erupted and became uncontrollable.    A bit like Apostle Paul’s divine experience on the road to Damacus, Nick’s exasperation brought him to an abrupt stop, and he looked up at the big moon in the sky.  Words like he had never uttered came pouring out of his mouth.  “JESUS!” Nick screamed out beseechingly, “IF YOU ARE REAL, YOU GET IN ME AND NEVER GET OUT! “Amazingly, what happened would set the stage for Nick’s life to come.  It was an epiphany!   Suddenly, Nick had faith!  Suddenly, he was a believer!   

    Nick rushed back home and told Judy he was going to church the next day.  Judy was stunned. “What?” she retorted.  “We haven’t been to church since we were married!” Still astounded, she asked, “What church are you going to?”  

   Nick replied, " I’m going to “His Church,” the church of my old golfing buddy, Larry Wersen.   The next morning at “His Church”, Nick answered the altar call, accepted Jesus, and his life changed forever.  Judy had first said she would go back to her old Catholic Church but soon changed her mind and came to “His Church”  where she also accepted Jesus.  From then on, she and Nick became devoted members of His Church Community Church and Followers of Christ for life.   And, as Nick said, “We both made our commitment to Jesus and for the next 39 years, it was quite a ride!

 ACTIVE MEMBERS OF “HIS CHURCH”

   Thereafter, Nick and Judy became very active in church.  Early on, Nick was put in charge of the youth group.  As he took on more church duties, he and Judy remained concerned about Mike’s wellbeing.  Amazingly, Nick decided that based on his prayers, God had told him that his harping to Mike about Jesus would be counterproductive.  Rather than bombarding Mike with “Jesus’ talk” he should let God take care of that.  Of course, Nick did ask his friend Roger who lived near Mike, for help. Roger agreed and invited Mike to a Bible study and promised to see what he could do.

   Meanwhile, Nick’s work at “His Church” became more intense.  A time came when Nick had already officiated over eighteen baptisms at church.   By this time, he had still not heard from Mike for seven long months even though Mike lived only twenty minutes away in Burlington, Washington.  Of course, Nick and Judy were worried, but their faith remained strong.

THE SWEET RING OF THE PHONE!    

Then, seemingly out of the blue, the phone rang!   It was Mike! “How sweet it was! In the conversation, Nick mentioned to Mike that he had just performed eighteen baptisms at “His Church” that year.  Mike’s next words would echo repeatedly in Mike’s and Judy’s ears.  Mike responded, “HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE IT NINETEEN?”   Tears flowed like Niagara and Nick and Judy melted like marsh mellows!  They were ecstatic! Their prayers had been answered!  Shortly, Mike came over to “His Church” which just happened to have a swimming pool used for baptisms.  With everyone teary eyed, Pastor Nick baptized his beloved son, Mike became a “Follower of Christ!”  Thank you, Jesus!

    Over the years since, Mike, Rick, and Chris have done well. Mike has become a much sought-after stone mason, a loving son, and a member of Christ the King Church in Anacortes.  Second son, Rick, the state wrestling champion, is the father of Nick and Judy’s only grandson, Tyler.   Third son, Todd is doing well and is the manager of a golf course in the area.  All three of the boys are Godly people and Nick and Judy are so very proud of them.

     Nick and Judy were energetic.  With Judys support, Nick worked on many church projects, including Mission Teams and Prayer teams, he officiated at weddings and funerals, he worked on benevolence, congregational, and visitation teams.  Nick and Judy’s faith in Jesus seemed to be growing exponentially. After chaperoning a His Place youth group to Mexico, their dedication to Jesus leaped to a new level!   Clearly, they were ready for a much higher commitment to Christ.   Fearlessly, they sold the Ford dealership and their home of thirty years in Anacortes and set out on the optimistic goal of – SAVING THE WORLD!  Of course, as Nick would say, “we also would take along a guy named, “Jesus!”                                                             

     Nick and Judy became “His Church” missionaries. After first getting mission training in Hawaii, and after helping to build a church in Japan, they elected to specialize in “third world construction,” about which Judy knew less than nothing – but she was a quick study. Watch her online at (      ) as she explains the construction details of third world housing like a pro.  She was quite amazing,

THE ISLAND OF LUZON IN THE PHILLIPINES

     After getting a call about a Christian need in the Philippines, Nick and Judy flew directly from Japan to the Philippine Island of Luzon, then traveled to the village of Calew in the northern mountains.  There they undertook God’s work, helping an amazing lady named Pastora Andes Bautista and members of the village to build the first church ever for the hill-dwelling Ibaloi people. 

     Nick will never forget that while in Calew, he was asked to bless a newborn baby boy. Answering the call, Nick went to a small  humble house and met the mother and held the newborn in his arms and gave God’s blessing.  

      Thereafter, Nick and Judy finally returned home and based on his missionary work, “His Church” offered him a position as missions pastor, a position which Nick thereafter held for over the next 17 years.  In that capacity, he and Judy would travel back and forth to the Philippines many times as they continued their missionary work there.   Over the years., he would baptize many, including the same little boy to whom he had given God’s blessing, and in time, many years later, he would officiate at now grown-little boy’s wedding.  Nick and Judy would grow to know and love the people of Calew and the mountainous jungles of Luzon and were called Papa Nick and Mama Judy. 

       Papa Nick and Mama Judy would travel back and forth to the Philippines frequently for the next 19 years.  There in the mountainous jungles, they continued their work, helping to build eighteen more churches, a Bible college, a Christian  K through 12 school, five day care centers and an orphanage. Through it all, they worked to the Glory of God and were powered by Christian love.  It gave them immeasurable satisfaction and contentment.             

     The list of Nick’s, Judy’s and “His Church’s” good works in the Philippines is voluminous, and you are invited you to go to the Facebook and or to Google online and see the photos and hear Nick talk about their incredible experiences and the work they did to make this world a better place. (On Facebook, go to:  His Place – In the Philippines, on a Mission – or go online to -Nick Harris – His Place.”  

ALZHEIMER’S THWARTS THINGS

      In 2012, Nick’s wonderful Judy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’ s.  Even though the Philippine ministry continued to grow, the trips to the Philippines came to an end.  For the next thirteen years while Pastor Nick kept close contact with the Philippine ministry, helping with their needs as best he could, his new primary task was overseeing his most important ministry – that is, being  the caregiver for God’s daughter, his precious Judy.  

    Judy ‘s mind had slipping and getting worse.  She was sometimes childlike.  Nick might say, “Judy, you are beautiful – and she would respond with a wide smile on her face and say “really!”  Then, like I never said it before, I might say the same thing again and she would respond in same way, like she had never heard it before.  Taking care of Judy was Nick’s great privilege but it  was hard work but nevertheless, a labor of love and also an opportunity that God had given him to bring her happiness and show his appreciation for her loyal support and companionship for all these many years, Nick would say, “ I prayed for her healing and finally it came on July 25, 2025, when God took her to be with him.

    Pastor Nick paraphrases Romans 8:23, saying that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God interceding for us but guess who is sitting on his lap interceding for me – “MY PRECIOUS JUDY!”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PASTOR NICK     

     Pastor Nick and late wife Judy spent thirty nine years doing God’s work.  Their work will go on!   Shortly after Judy’s Memorial service, Nick hit the road on another journey across America to see relatives, old friends and new friends and spread God’s love to all that would listen.  One of his visits was to see Dorenda Wilson and her husband in Tennessee. Dorenda is a beautiful and brilliant lady who Nick has known for many years lives.  She was suffering from her draining and emotional struggle with cancer.  Pastor Nick’s words gave her comfort and as Dorenda  explained in her very discerning and God-loving way,  “Nick,” she said, “went out of his way to console her about her cancer journey, sharing with her what the last 14 years had been for him as he lovingly cared for his wife as she suffered from dementia.”  Dorenda explained that Pastor Nick’s words filled us with hope and confidence in God’s gracious mercies for his people when he asks us to walk hard roads.  Pastor Nick hugged her and prayed over her, which made her feel a tangible deep, love of Jesus for us, especially as we walk through our trials and afflictions….  Insightfully, Dorenda said, “Our world and its people are hurting and broken and the only connection they have with heaven and who Jesus really is, is US. 

WE are the hands and feet of Jesus.  May WE be found faithful to represent HIM with the simple faith and deep love for others.  

Respectfully submitted,

 Danny T. Ferguson

 

                                                     ********************

     Nick and I thank you for reading this heartfelt story.  Nick Harris (RJR62) would love to hear from his RJR62 classmates.  If you would like to correspond with him, he can be reached as follows by phone, email,  text or letter as follows:     

                 

                            Pastor Nick Harris                            360-840-7939                 

                            Nickh@hisplacechurch. com

                            800 Innis Creek Road

                             Acme, Washington 98220                                                                    

                                                                   

                                         Respectfully prepared and submitted by:

                                                             Danny T. Ferguson