Also known affectionately as the Man with the Golden Arm, Harrison died “peacefully” on February 17 at Peninsula Village Nursing Home on the NSW Central Coast, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood confirmed.

Harrison, who began donating in the 1950s, became the world’s most prolific blood and plasma donor thanks to his rare and precious antibody, Anti-D.

Anti-D is given via blood transfusion to mothers who are at risk of passing on deadly antibodies to their babies.

Throughout his life, Junee-born Harrison donated 1173 times and saved the lives of more than two million babies.

He first began donating in 1954 at the age of 18 and continued regularly donating until his retirement in 2018 aged 81.

Harrison’s daughter Tracey Mellowship remembered her dad as a generous soul with a great sense of humour.

“James was a humanitarian at heart, but also very funny,” Mellowship said.

“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 donations.”

Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen said the impact of Harrison’s extraordinary generosity is felt around the world.

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

“It was James’ belief that his donations were no more important than any other donors’, and that everyone can be special in the same way that he was.

“James extended his arm to help others and babies he would never know a remarkable 1173 times and expected nothing in return.”

Harrison continued to regularly donate even in his “darkest days”, after the death of his wife Barbara.

“He leaves behind an incredible legacy, and it was his hope that one day, someone in Australia would beat his donation record,” Cornelissen added.

“On behalf of Lifeblood, and the entire Australian community, we thank James for the incredible life- saving contribution he made and the millions of lives he saved.”

Harrison’s rare blood and plasma may continue to save lives even in his death.

It’s hoped researchers can use his blood to develop lab-grown Anti-D.