James Harper

DURHAM — James McKell Edwin Harper, 64, died peacefully under hospice care on Oct. 4, 2011, in Boston, after a long struggle with liver disease.

Jim was born near London, England, on Nov. 10, 1946, the son of S. Denis and Muriel (Harrison) Harper, immigrating to the USA with his family at 10 years old. He graduated from the Hill School, Harvard University, Coast Guard OCS, and Stanford University with a PhD in 1975. He worked at the IBM Research Center in New York for 27 years in a very successful career as a research scientist. With many different colleagues at IBM and around the world, he authored over 250 published articles, wrote over 50 patents, earned several reputable awards and was active in two professional scientific societies.

In 2003, he became a Professor at the University of New Hampshire and had a second very satisfying career teaching and conducting research in the Physics department.

Jim met Beryl Stevens at a college sailing regatta in 1969; they were married a year later, and continued sailing together for four more decades. He was always proud of his daughters, Chelsea and Jessica, and loved outdoor adventures with them, especially spending time in the summer on the seacoast in Downeast Maine. He spent many years singing in church choirs, and took great pleasure in the camaraderie of the bass section. He truly appreciated the kindness and support of a wide range of extended family members and friends from all over the world during his illness.

He was predeceased by his father, Samuel Denis (Toby) Harper, who died in 1987.

Jim is survived by his wife, Beryl; daughter, Chelsea Harper, son-in-law, Thomas Doherty and beloved granddaughter, Eva Doherty of Portland, Ore.; daughter, Jessica Santos and son-in-law, Claudio Santos of Manchester, N.H.; mother, Muriel Harper of Durham; sister, Catherine and John Allen; brother, Geoffrey and Elizabeth Harper; cousin, Alan Muff and Brian Guest, and many nieces and nephews and their children.

The memorial service will be Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street, Durham.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be sent to the Community Church of Durham, 17 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824.

Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com for more information or to sign an online guest book.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.