10/10/2026
We are sad to announce the passing of former mayor Jimmy Harris. At the same time, we are also deeply proud to recognize his enduring legacy of public service to our community.
Jimmy moved to Brevard from South Florida as a young boy in the early 1970s when his father, Mabry, bought the old feed and seed store that would later become Harris Hardware. He immediately took to life in the mountains, and his love of the town and its residents eventually led him to run for mayor. First elected in 1999, Jimmy became the youngest person to hold that office in Brevard and was subsequently reelected seven times, ultimately serving 22 years before retiring in 2021. His was the longest mayoral tenure in the city’s history.
“Jimmy Harris was an amazing mayor, dedicated leader, and tireless community champion,” remarked Mayor Maureen Copelof. “Brevard is a better place because of Jimmy Harris, and he will be greatly missed.”
As mayor, Jimmy saw the community through local economic shifts, a nationwide recession, and a global pandemic. He consistently considered how to balance Brevard’s potential for growth with its essential small-town spirit and charm. And while Jimmy’s focus was on Brevard, the impact of his leadership was felt statewide. In 2022, Jimmy was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine (the highest award for state service) by Governor Roy Cooper.
Jimmy’s mayorship was, in many ways, marked by his affable, social disposition; regularly called the “sidewalk mayor” and the “face of Brevard,” he could often be found chatting with folks on Main Street. He believed in making the town the best it could be for all its residents, which, as he explained it, involved a whole lot of listening. “He cared deeply about people and was able to relate to everyone,” noted Copelof. “You could always approach Jimmy and know he would listen and try to help. He expertly guided Brevard through two decades of change ensuring our community continued to thrive. We have and will continue to build on the legacy he left.”
During his mayoral tenure, the City saw the creation of Bracken Preserve, the first several sections of Brevard’s greenway, the Mary C. Jenkins Community Center, two skate parks, a dog park, and the new Depot. In November 2025, City Council renamed the Depot park to the Jimmy Harris Depot Railroad Avenue Park in recognition of his efforts to revitalize that area and construct the facility, which officially opened in 2021.
In honor of Jimmy, Mayor Copelof ordered the flags at City Hall to be flown at half-staff beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 10.
In the wake of his passing, we hope the community will join us in remembering Jimmy’s life, work, and legacy. His ardent love for this town can perhaps best be summed up by a comment he made in 2018: “If you take your vitamins, brush your teeth and say your prayers, you too could live in Brevard.”
