With the passing of John C. Harris, the Valley lost not only an influential rancher, farmer, and businessman but also a generous philanthropist and legendary figure in California’s thoroughbred breeding and racing industries.
Mr. Harris died at the age of 81 on July 2, just 12 days shy of his 82nd birthday.
A lifelong resident of Fresno County, Mr. Harris was born into a farming family. His parents founded the family business in 1937 on previously unfarmed desert land in the western San Joaquin Valley. He graduated with a degree in agricultural production from the University of California, Davis, in 1965. After graduating, he served two years in the Army.
In 1981, he took over the family business and guided Harris Farms to become one of California’s most prominent and diverse agricultural enterprises. His business empire grew to include Harris Fresh, Harris Vineyards, Harris River Ranch, Harris Woolf Almonds, Harris Farms Thoroughbred Horse Division, and the Harris Ranch Resort. For several decades, operations included the acclaimed Harris Ranch Beef Company, known for its high-quality beef, before it was sold in 2019.
Blake Zante, executive director of The Maddy Institute, praised Mr. Harris’ professional accomplishments and leadership. “John was not only a visionary farmer and businessman, but also a tireless advocate for the San Joaquin Valley in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C. He was a founding member of The Maddy Institute’s Board of Directors and served as its vice chair. John shared a close friendship with Senator Ken Maddy, united by their shared love of horse racing — a connection that helped shape the early spirit and values of our organization.”
Mr. Harris spent several decades involved in breeding and racing thoroughbred horses, producing many champions.
When the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed Mr. Harris as the 2017 Horse Racing Inductee, it noted, “Through 2016, Harris Farms had accounted for 46 California divisional champions and seven California Horse of the Year honors for the farm and its clients.”
Notably, California Chrome, the 2014 winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, and Tiznow, the only two-time winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, were foaled and trained at Mr. Harris’ ranch.
In addition to his business success, Mr. Harris was deeply involved in industry leadership and public service. He served on many boards including the California Horse Racing Board, California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Breeders’ Cup, The Maddy Institute, and Western Growers Association.
Many organizations benefited from his philanthropic generosity, including Fresno State, UC Davis, Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Community Medical Centers.
Numerous awards celebrated Mr. Harris’ impact on agribusiness and contributions to his community. Among his honors are UC Davis’ 1992 Award of Distinction, the Fresno Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Agriculturist of the Year Award, the UC Davis Alumni Awards 2020 Jerry W. Fielder Memorial Award, the Western Growers 2022 Award of Honor, and the Chamber’s 2024 Leon S. Peters Award.
When Mr. Harris received the Leon S. Peters Award, he credited the people who helped him succeed.
“You really don’t want to covet an award or anything,” he said. “But if you get it, it’s nice to just share it with the people that made it possible and try to thank everyone who was involved.”
In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to the Jack A. Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund.
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