He changed his major to history and transferred to West Virginia University where he worked at WAJR radio in Morgantown followed by two years of service in the U.S.

[2] A distinguished military graduate in ROTC, Harris spent two years as a lieutenant in the intelligence branch of the US Army, with tours in the Dominican Republic and Vietnam.

[5] He has published a book of humorous essays titled Jack Harris Unwrapped, served as Alcalde of Ybor City (Honorary mayor) for 6 year and previously provided voice-over announcements at Tampa International Airport.

[7] Harris was honored as Tampa Bay Ambassador of the Year Award for outstanding contributions to the Tourism Industry in Hillsborough County, participated in the Federal Bureau of Investigation Tampa Field Office FBI Citizens' Academy and was guest speaker at United States Citizenship ceremony inspiring new citizens.

In 2017 Harris received the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award in Washington DC for his commitment to safety and security in Tampa Bay.

Jack established a Media scholarship at the University of South Florida for students interested in going into broadcasting by donating proceeds from speaking events[9] and was named Talk Radio's Major Market Hometown Hero.

[11] Other awards and honors include: "Communicator of the Year" Tampa Toastmasters Club1980, the only media member of President Gerald Ford's WIN committee (Whip Inflation Now) in 1975, MOR Disk Jockey of the Year' finalist for Billboard Magazine, Sandra Freedman proclaimed Jack Harris Day on September 1, 1989, Mayor Pam Iorio proclaimed March 16, 2011 as Jack Harris Day, Mayor Dick Greco, proclaimed Jack Harris Day on June 15, 1998 and Jack Harris Month, October 1995 and was given the Key to the City of Tampa March 2003, Children's Home Network 2010 Helen Davis Award, MacDill Air Force Base Honorary commander, and the Tom McEwen Community Advocate Award by Moffitt Cancer Center.