James Harrison, also popularly referred to as the "Man with the Golden Arm," has died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88. The Australian Red Cross organization Lifeblood confirmed the death news, reporting that he spent his last days at a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia.

Harrison was one of the world's most productive blood donors, with his uncommon plasma assisting in saving more than two million babies across the globe. His blood had a rare and precious antibody known as Anti-D, which is employed in the development of a medication to prevent potentially fatal complications in pregnancy.

Harrison's history of being a blood donor started after a life experience at 14 years old. After undergoing lung surgery, he needed several blood transfusions, which led him to repay by donating blood. At age 18, he donated his first unit of blood—and never looked back until age 81. He gave more than 1,000 times over the years, rolling up his sleeves every two weeks to save lives.

People across the globepay tribute to Harrison's remarkable work. One donor posted, "I give blood every three months, but I was amazed to learn that James Harrison donated every two weeks from the age of 18 to 81. He saved over 2 million children. May he rest in peace!"

Others joined in the similar praise, addressing him as "a true hero" and "an absolute legend." Another person wrote, "Known as the 'man with the golden arm,' his rare antibody saved millions of lives."

Not only was Harrison a humanitarian, but he was also a loving family man. His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, one of many whose life was saved by his plasma, spoke from the heart about her father.

"James was a humanitarian at heart, but also very funny. In his last years, he was immensely proud to become a great-grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren, Trey and Addison. As an Anti-D recipient myself, he has left behind a family that may not have existed without his precious donation," she said.

She went on to say that Harrison was proud of the lives he saved and frequently reminded individuals that donating blood is not painful but can make a huge difference. "He always said it does not hurt, and the life you save could be your own."

Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen AM also recalled Harrison as a generous and compassionate individual whose selfless devotion to blood donation inspired lives throughout the globe.

"James was a remarkable, stoically kind, and generous person who was committed to a lifetime of giving. He captured the hearts of many people around the world," Cornelissen said.

Even after having a personal loss, such as the death of his wife Barbara, who also volunteered as a blood donor, Harrison never stopped donating. "James extended his arm to help others and babies he would never know a remarkable 1,173 times and expected nothing in return," Cornelissen added.

Harrison's belief that "everyone can be special in the same way"  is a strong message for blood donors across the globe. Although he is gone, the lives he saved are a sign of his generosity and kindness.

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