Josh Harris son of Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie on Discovery Channels ‘Deadliest Catch’ was at his father captain Phil Harris’ side when he passed away and states he is grateful to the ‘Deadliest Catch’ camera crew for getting it on film, and is now using his celebrity status to start a non-smoking campaign.
On previous episodes of the ‘Deadliest Catch’ viewers watched as captain Phil Harris suffered a massive stroke while his crew was offloading crab in port at Saint Paul Island, Alaska on January 29, 2010. Despite improvements in his health, Captain Phil Harris died on February 9, 2010 while in the hospital at age 53 with his son Josh Harris at his side.
In a recent interview with Josh Harris he stated, “They taped the last conversation I had with my dad," … "I remember leaving the hospital and it really sucked. It was very difficult for me."
“I think it's like, I keep thinking this whole thing is a joke. Like he's going to pop out of the woodwork somewhere and say "I got you good, f***er," and come back to work," ... "But that's not going to happen. I got to see what I got to say to him in the last little bit and I actually feel very grateful and fortunate for that."
As far as Josh Harris' plans for the immediate future he stated, “My first plan is to take a vacation somewhere warm with drinks with little umbrellas in them. Preferably the only crab I'll see will be in a cartoon!" … “I just want to relax for a little bit. I have also started on a wellness kick. I am trying to quit smoking and [my brother] Jake's trying to follow suit. Smoking is what killed my father so we're going around the U.S. helping people know about what problems and effects happen when you start smoking. We want to use our celebrity to help people stop smoking and just more than that, just be healthy. We want to help try and save people's lives."
When Josh Harris was asked if he would continue in the family business he stated, “We are definitely planning
on continuing on. We got some investors to help us ... and we are most definitely going to continue on in the old man's legacy, and we're going to learn to captain it. I've always done business when I was off work, and was really good at doing it. Now with the old man gone unexpectedly, I can't just let the boat fail because this was his dream that he put together and I'm going to make sure with every last breath that I've got that it keeps going on. It's what I'm supposed to do. It's what I was born, bred and corn-fed to do.”
Additional news about Captain Phil Harris' other son Jake Harris and his progress with his addiction to pain pills and alcohol: Jake Harris of 'Deadliest Catch' was caught by his father Phil Harris stealing his prescription medication. The 'Deadliest Catch' website explains how Captain Phil Harris found out his son Jake Harris was stealing his pain pills.
"On board the Cornelia Marie the hot fishing continues but there are unfortunately other problems lurking under the surface. Jake doesn’t seem like himself as he continues to slack off more than the rest of the crew and at 
one point seems to have trouble getting out of bed. He also seems a bit out of touch on deck. Captain Phil decides to take a different approach and calls both sons up for a pep talk telling them they need to step up and really want it if they are ever to become Captains themselves. While something is definitely bothering Jake, he’s not alone as Captain Phil soon starts having some trouble and feels like he may pass out. He decides to go and grab one of his prescription pain pills only to find Jake has been stealing them. His blood boils as he calls his son a thief and a liar and says after the season is over he wants them to go their separate ways. Finally he confronts Jake about what is going on and Jake whispers to his father that he is an addict."
Jake Harris did keep his promise to his father before he died and entered rehab, according to brother Josh Harris he is doing as well as can be expected.
Some of Captain Phil Harris' sea stories were included in the book ‘Deadliest Catch: Desperate Hours.’ In 2008, Harris developed a line of coffees, ‘Captain's Reserve’, with blends named after fishing themes such as "Harris Family Blend" and "Midnight Sunrise."
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Comments
I feel as if these men are part of my family. I am a great grandmother and cried when Phil passed. Boys please make him proud. The last show was great. However as long as there are reruns I will watch them, because it's real life. The camera crew deserve a great deal of thanks.
I feel for those boys..Phil was my favorite captain on that show..
I love deadliest catch been watching show for while Phil Harris was good man. I pray forJake & Josh has they follow their fathers dream I hope the suceed in everything they choose 2 do. Good luck on your non-smoking campaign This fan is prayer for u much love.
I hope everything goes well Josh and Jake. Which i'm sure it will. I will continue to watch DEADLIEST CATCH beacuse it's my favorite show!
I was never really into "reality" TV until Deadliest Catch came along. Growing up as the only girl and youngest child with four brothers, I feel like these guys are my own folk. Captain Phil reminded me so much of my Dad, and I will miss his laugh, smile and the way he loved those boys. Josh and Jake, stay strong and just be good people and the rest will fall into place. You are ALL in my prayers every night.
As Director of a long term rehab I know how difficult it can be for an addict to seek help.In this case, for Josh to enter treatment with everything else that is going on is asking a great deal of himself.I hope he receives the support he will need so that he can sustain his abstinence long enough for the "miracle to happen."Hang in there Josh" JohnP New Bedford, Ma.
My mom smoked for 50 years and used to start every day with a fit of coughing. Someone told me about electronic cigarettes, so I ordered her one. She loves it. It's different from tobacco as there's no tar, no carbon monoxide and doesn't have all the yucky stuff in it like cigs do. She's been able to get away from tobacco and is now breathing much better. If you want to check it out, go to: CleanGreenNicotine.com . They have more info on it. Highly recommended!
great show. god speed phill. you were so like my dad who was my hero just like you phill and dale earnhardt sr.
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