James David Harris, Jr.

James David Harris Jr., known to everyone as Jimi, passed away on March 28, 2026, at the age of 74. He was a steady, generous presence in the lives of many, a man who showed up, lent a hand, and took pride in supporting the people and projects he cared about. He was a natural storyteller, often so convincing that you didn’t always know where fact ended and fiction began.

Born on November 29, 1951, in Osaka, Japan, Jimi was the son of a decorated US Marine and a Japanese seamstress who met and married in the years following WWII. His early years were shaped by the military lifestyle before his family eventually settled in Tustin, California, where he grew up alongside his two younger sisters, Sheila and Lucy. In his early twenties, he served in the Air Force, an experience that instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, adaptability, and service to others: qualities that shaped the resourceful and determined man that many came to know and love.

After his time in the military, Jimi went on to build a career in the developing technology sector, working with Acer and Softcat. In 1989, he moved with his family to Maryland, where they put down permanent roots. Following his time at Acer, Jimi founded Harris Computing Group, reflecting both his entrepreneurial spirit and his willingness to take risks in pursuit of his own business. Over the years, he explored many professional paths, always guided by curiosity and a strong work ethic.

Jimi’s journey took an unexpected turn when he discovered body modification through a close friend. This newfound passion became his true calling. In 1999, he started Mystic Piercing in the spare room of his family’s home in Bowie. What began as a small venture quickly blossomed. By 2001, he opened a dedicated shop, and as the community around Mystic grew, so did the business. A significant expansion in 2008 introduced Tribal Tattoo and a briefly operated space known as “Get Real” Deals, culminating in Mystic Piercing and Tattoo, which also included the area’s first smoke shop.

For Jimi, Mystic was far more than a business; it was a place built on connection and community. When he first began, body modification was still widely considered an alternative subculture, and tattoos were something reserved for a very narrow slice of people. He saw something different. Jimi believed in creating a space where anyone could walk through the door and feel comfortable, respected, and welcome. All of his children worked there at some point, and his staff became like an extended (if sometimes wonderfully dysfunctional) family. He never forgot a face and was always ready to lend a hand to help others. Mystic was a space where people felt welcome and cared for, a reflection of the kind of environment he believed in

creating: a safe place for people to be themselves, to express who they were, and to feel accepted without judgment.

Jimi strongly believed in hard work, offering help wherever it was needed, and consistently being there for the people and places that mattered to him. He went out of his way to assist friends, family, and even strangers, regardless of the size of the task. Whether he was rescuing squirrels, administering CPR to pets, or providing answers and guidance on various topics, he was always willing to lend a hand. Even if he wasn't an expert on a subject, he had a knack for figuring things out. He possessed a bit of knowledge about everything, and if he didn't know something, he would make it his mission to learn.

Outside of his found family at Mystic, Jimi was a devoted supporter of his children. Whatever their interest, he was all in. From his son Tito’s love of cars (including customizing a “Nightmare” Scion xB) to his daughters Traci and Heather's involvement in children’s and community theatre, Jimi was always there behind the scenes. He built sets, crafted props, and helped bring their projects to life. While he enjoyed being the center of attention, he helped create it for others more often - sometimes, perhaps a little too much. Heather never once completed a school science fair project on her own; they always worked on them together the night before they were due.

Jimi had a unique ability to make things feel achievable. Whether it was an overwhelming project or an empty space, he would step in and bring it to life, piece by piece.

He is survived by his children, Traci, Heather (and her husband, Jimmy), and Tito (and his partner, Reese), as well as their mother, Tina; his sisters, Lucy and Sheila (and her husband, Mike); his niece, Morgan (and her husband, Kyle); his grandchildren, Lilian and Alec; and two great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and leaves behind a loving community of extended family, friends, and students whose lives were changed by his presence.

A Celebration of Life will be held in June with details to be announced. All are welcome to celebrate, share memories, and raise a glass in his honor.