Jackson Free Press

Last night, Jim Hill High School students in Jackson gathered to honor and remember Fred Harris, the school's assistant principal and boy's basketball coach. Harris, 47, died unexpectedly Sunday of a heart attack at the University Medical Center around 5:30 p.m. .

Nicknamed the "Dean" of JPS coaches for his 20-year tenure, Harris coached the Jim Hill boy's basketball team since their 1989-90 season, amassing a win-loss record of 325-254. His tenure included taking the boys to the state tournament five times. The Tigers came in second in the 2005 Class 4A state championships, and the 2003-04 team won the South MS 4A Semi-Finals, finishing with a record of 26-8 and ranking No. 5 in the State. Ten of his players signed Division 1 basketball scholarships, according to the Jim Hill Web site, one of Harris' proudest accomplishments.

"Coach Harris had respect in the community as a coach, but he also was respected as an administrator," Jim Hill Principal Lydia Haynes told The Clarion-Ledger about his five years as assistant principal. "He set standards in this community, not just on the court but with how his players conducted themselves. He was caring, hard working and dedicated for his students. He loved children. Coach Harris brought a lot of class to his profession. It carried over to his boys."

Prior to his coaching career, Harris played basketball for Vicksburg High School and Jackson State University.

Harris is survived by his siblings and parents, in addition to his wife, Areda, and their four children: Bracey, Morgan, Cole and Madison.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced, however, WAPT reports that the school is planning a vigil for Wednesday, asking that mourners bring "flowers, candles, memories and prayers."