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James Harper Obituary
June 28, 1919 ~ July 26, 2020
James Willard Harper, 101, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2020. Jim was born in San Antonio, the son of Frederick Harper and Lisette Bruns Harper. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1941 and was stationed in Ireland, England and Germany during the war. In England, he met and married his beloved wife of 61 years, Marjorie Michaelis, an American serving in the Red Cross. He remained in the active Air Force Reserve until his retirement as a Lt. Colonel in 1966. They returned to Texas after the war where he completed his degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas. He began work at the Magnolia Petroleum Company in Beaumont. The refinery was purchased by Mobil Oil Corporation, with whom he was employed for 35 years. The job took the family to Connecticut, Canada and back to Texas where they made many new friends over the years. After Marjorie's passing, Jim reacquainted with and married his Junior College friend, Amsie Somers, who passed away in 2010. Jim could fix anything and was a talented builder of beautiful furniture. In his free time, he could be found working on home projects or playing bridge. Above all, Jim was a consummate gentleman with a deep, abiding faith in God. He and Marjorie were the loving parents of Julie Ziccardi (Robert), Anne Gribbon (Patrick) and Gregory Harper (Hilary). He is survived by his 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wives, his sister, Dorothy Warner, and his wonderful friend, Barbara Hayes. Services will be private for the family but will be will be live-streamed on Monday, August 10, 2020 at time 9:00 a.m. for family and friends. Please follow the link to view, https://admin.mediafusionapp.com/_live/eventPlayer.php?eventId=2097_9339" You may also find the link within his obituary page at www.porterloring.com In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the San Antonio Parks Foundation, 400 N. St. Marys, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78205; www.saparksfoundation.org.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com
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Memories and Condolences
for James Harper
Sponsored by NHRegister.com.
Sheila Herzog
August 15, 2020
Our sincere sympathies and condolences to the Harper family and our dear daughter-in-law Penelope; in the loss of her beloved grandfather-and Greg in the loss of his dear dad-What a role model and true gentleman. Sheila & Roger Herzog-Family Friend-San Antonio, Tx.
Joyce Goodwin
August 10, 2020
To Anne and family offering my condolences may your dad James Harper Rest in Peace!
Camille Russell
August 10, 2020
Sending love and condolences to my cousins and their families. James was my mother's brother. Theirs was a close relationship. As adults they lived far apart but maintained a weekly correspondence and got together when possible. I have fond memories of family visits. My Uncle James lived a good and interesting life. He and my Aunt Marjorie were very special, caring people who loved family and friends.
Vin & Sat Patel
August 9, 2020
Please accept our deepest condolences to the Harper family.
Kirk Hewitt
August 8, 2020
As a friend of Greg, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. James Harper. I knew him as a true gentleman and devoted Christian who put optimism into every step he took. God Bless him for service to his country and the example he set for all.
Judy Hays Wilkie
August 8, 2020
As one of Barbara Hays' adult children I am so grateful that Jim befriended our mother, making the last years of her life far more joyous and full. He was eminently worthy of respect, warm and gracious, grateful for his life, a disciplined and loving man. He is no doubt glad to be in heaven, though we who have yet to finish our races miss him. God bless you, Harper clan. With love for Jim and you.
Linda Pillo
August 3, 2020
Dear Anne, What a noble and devoted legacy your Dad has left to you and your family! May happy and proud memories bring you peace and console you in the days ahead. With my sympathy and love,
Linda Pillo, Bridgeport, CT BOE, August 3, 2020
Yvette Martinez
August 3, 2020
Anne, My deepest condolences to you and your family.
nichole wells
August 3, 2020
Mrs Gribbon, Sending healing prayers to you & your family <3
Julie Lunsford
August 2, 2020
Your father was such a delightful gentleman. We are so sorry for your loss. I know he will be greatly missed.
David Chacon
August 1, 2020
I am a friend of James' son Greg. The devotion Greg had to his father, who he spoke about often, was clearly evident. I recall particularly the time Greg let us know that his dad would soon have his 100th birthday and the effort Greg when through to bring his father blueberry pancakes during his final days. No doubt James instilled his finest traits in his son. My sincere condolences.
Mike Wadden
August 1, 2020
Mr. Harper was a the epitome of the greatest generation . His contributions as a husband, father, friend neighbor and citizen have enriched us all. This brought back fond memories of life in Norwalk in the 1970's.
Tammy Lively
July 31, 2020
I had the pleasure of meeting Him and sharing a meal with him at Willows Ice House a few years ago, he was very sweet but above all loved his family and had many great stories to tell, live and prayers to his loved ones that had the joy of knowing him and calling him dad, grandpa and friend.
Dee Williams
July 30, 2020
I loved this man,he was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
He loved his God , family and all of his care workers
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Porter Loring Mortuary McCullough1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212
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