Obituary Julie Harris

Joan Doris Alberta Mitchell known as Julie lived a life as amazing as it was long. She was born September 21, 1924 in Walthamstow, England. She passed away on June 17, 2024 in McCall, Idaho.

She was the only child of Douglas Mitchell and Doris Hambey. Her early years were spent in a variety of activities, with swimming, ballet, and horse riding being among her favorites. She adored her grandfather Albert and her grandmother Annie, and spent much of her childhood with them.

Her teenage years were cut short by the start of World War II. As soon as she was able, she joined the British Army. First, she was part of an anti-aircraft gunnery crew known as the “gunner girls”. Later, she was handpicked to be one of the first operators for the new generation of radar equipment. For security purposes the radar was installed in special lined cabinets and the operators were chosen because of their size. She was the ideal candidate. During this time, she met and married a medical student who was also a pilot by the name of Peter Foxwattington. Tragically Peter went down with his plane during the war. Later, near the end of the war, she met Frank Edwards, a boy from Idaho, Julie and Frank married and had their son Roger in England. After the war the young family moved to Idaho, to Frank’s hometown. Soon after, their second son Billy was born followed in nine years by their daughter, Dawn. Later after her divorce from Frank, Julie met and married Bill Harris in 1967. They shared a wonderful and fulfilling life. Bill was a surveyor and his career took them on many exciting adventures, including to Alaska.

Julie was amazing, always finding her place wherever she found herself. She loved McCall. She was mom to many racoons, bears, and fox cubs, feeding them off of her deck above the river. In her almost 100 years she never backed down from a challenge and always protected those she loved. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her two sons Billy and Roger, and her great grandson Coit Herrick II. She is survived by her daughter Dawn Neumann (Ron) of Toledo, Washington, her grandchildren Christina Stamper (Dusty) of Ulman, Missouri, Coit Herrick of Meridian, Idaho, Jadee Landry (Mike) of Napavine, Washington, Lori Neumann Niles (Tim) of Toledo, Washington and Ronnie Neumann (Shannon) of Montgomery, Illinois, 15 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

Viewing for family and friends will be from 7 - 8:30 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2024 in McCall Funeral Home/Heikkila Funeral Chapel, 155 S. Samson Trl., McCall, ID  83638  A Celebration of Life is scheduled at Saint Andrew Episcopal Church, 1001 Gamble Rd., McCall, ID  83638 at 11:00 am on July 13 ,2024. Burial will immediately follow in the McCall Cemetery, McCall, Idaho.

Online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.