by Mike Matzinger
James Robert Harris, known as J.R. Harris, was born on April 1, 1944, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He moved to Queens, New York, with his family at a young age and grew up in the Pomonok Houses, a public housing complex. His early life in New York City was marked by a keen curiosity about the world beyond the urban landscape.
Harris’s journey into the world of exploration began in the 1950s when his parents enrolled him in the Boy Scouts. At the age of 14, he attended Ten Mile River Scout Camp in the Catskill Mountains of New York. This experience profoundly impacted him, igniting a passion for the outdoors and wilderness exploration. He learned essential survival skills such as knot tying, fire building, and orienteering, and earned merit badges in Camping, Cooking, and Pioneering. These formative experiences in Scouting laid the foundation for his future endeavors in exploration.
After graduating from Queens College in 1966 with a degree in psychology, Harris embarked on his first major adventure—a solo road trip from New York City to Circle, Alaska. This journey marked the beginning of a lifetime of exploration. Over the next several decades, he completed more than 50 multi-week treks across the globe, including expeditions in Greenland, the Amazon, the Andes, Tanzania, and Tasmania. His travels often involved immersing himself in local cultures, building relationships with indigenous communities, and documenting his experiences.
In 1993, Harris was elected to The Explorers Club, a prestigious organization dedicated to the advancement of field research and exploration. He later served on the club’s board of directors and chaired its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. In 2021, he founded the Society of Forgotten Explorers, an initiative aimed at recognizing and honoring the contributions of overlooked explorers.
Beyond his personal explorations, Harris has been a dedicated advocate for inspiring the next generation of adventurers. He frequently visits public schools, particularly in underserved communities, to encourage students to pursue their dreams and explore the world around them. Through his talks, he emphasizes the importance of curiosity, resilience, and cultural appreciation.
Harris is also the founder of JRH Marketing Services, one of the oldest African American-owned research and consulting firms in the United States. He has authored a memoir, “Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker,” which chronicles his journeys and the lessons learned along the way.
J.R. Harris continues to live in Queens, New York, where he remains active in his exploration endeavors and community outreach. His life story serves as a testament to the transformative power of Scouting and the enduring impact of a childhood passion for the outdoors.
For a deeper insight into J.R. Harris’s remarkable life and adventures, you can watch the following interview: https://youtu.be/7pt6hLLwYcA