George Jay Harrison

George J. Harrison, 76 of Sioux City, Iowa died on Friday, April 21, 2023, at a local hospital.

A Celebration of Life service will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 29th at Grace United Methodist Church located at 1735 Morningside Ave Sioux City, Iowa 51106 with Pastor John Christianson, and Neil Peck CLS officiating. A Masonic service will be held immediately following the church service.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church, located at 1735 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, Iowa.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.christysmith.com .

George was born August 28, 1946, in New Haven, CT to Raymond and Frances (Ryalls) Harrison. He grew up in Hamden, CT and graduated from Eli Whitney Technical High School. George entered the US Air Force in 1970. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland Heidelberg in 1976, studying business and psychology. He earned a master’s degree in operations management from the University of Arkansas in 1977. After leaving the service, he worked for Frito Lay, Iowa Beef Processors, Terra Chemical, Western Iowa Tech Community College and finally as the Secretary Registrar of the Sioux City Scottish Rite, a role he held for ten years.

George married Rebecca "Becki" Kerr on October 9, 1999, in Sioux City. The couple are members of Grace United Methodist Church.

WB George Harrison was made a Master Mason in Triangle Lodge No. 643 in October of 1980. He received his Masonic Instructor’s Certificate in 1984 and his District Lecturer’s Certificate in 1987. He served the Triangle Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1985, 2002 and 2015; Master of the Tyrian Lodge No. 508 in 2014; and Landmark Lodge No. 103 in 2016. In 2012 he served as Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M.

He joined the Scottish Rite in 1981. He was active in several degrees until his health declined. He was invested Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1995 and was coroneted a 33rd Degree Inspector Honorary in 2001 in Charleston, SC. He wrote his first book, Ten Decades of Light: A 100 Year History of the Sioux City Scottish Rite, in 2006.

In 1984 George joined the Sioux City York Rite and worked in all ten Degrees and Orders. He served several years as Director of the Work. He served as Grand Commander, Knights Templar of Iowa 2005-2006. He was a Past Governor of Iowa York Rite College #199 and a Past Grand Governor of Iowa. George also presided as Sovereign of St. Bartholomew Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine in 2013.

George published an eight volume series compiling the National Masonic Research Society’s Correspondence Circle Bulletins and Study Club articles originally appearing in The Builder between November 1916 and December 1927. Additionally, he collaborated in the creation of the “Masonic Research Network,” which brought together Masons from around the world. He was a member and a Past Master of Iowa Research Lodge #2.

In addition to his Masonic activities, George was a passionate student of history with a special interest in the military history of the US Civil War and World War II. He also enjoyed genealogy. He was a supporter of the Sioux City Community Theater and acted in numerous theatrical productions, in both dramatic and comedic roles. He held a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and was a dedicated donor to the Siouxland Community Blood Bank.

Those left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Rebecca (Becki) Harrison; 6 children, Jennifer Baker and her spouse Barb, Cindy Sullivan and her spouse Charles, Laurie Kim Christy, Amy Rostucher and her spouse Matt, Jen Johnson and her spouse Tim, and Alex Rude and his spouse Hanh; 11 Grandchildren, Emily Baker, Alexander Baker, Savanah Alberts, Brendan Carney, Talon Christy, Jackson Sullivan, Charlotte Rostucher, Sadie Rostucher, Olivia Johnson, Lucy Johnson and Maya Rude; one great grandchild, Oliver Baker; siblings, Frances Ellesio, Suzan “Sue” D’Aniello and her spouse Guy, and Beth Harrison, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Raymond Harrison Jr., and brother-in-law Michael Ellesio.

Contributions in George’s memory may be directed to the Sioux City Scottish Rite Building Preservation Corporation, 801 Douglas St, Sioux City, IA 51101.