THOMAS JACKSON "Jack" HARPER

Thomas Jackson "Jack" Harper of Morro Bay, CA passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 85, on October 3, 2016. Jack was born December 21, 1930, in Alabama to the late Leonard Gordon Harper, and the late Ila Mae Eubanks Harper. Jack was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving ashore in San Diego, CA, and at sea as a crewmember of the USS Caliente (AO 53) in the Western Pacific. He was a renowned boxer, beginning as a welterweight, and achieving a championship in the Eleventh Naval District as a middleweight. Jack earned a Bachelor's degree in geology at Fresno State College, and upon graduation, began work for the Fresno County Planning Commission, rising to the level of Principal Planner before retiring in 1981. He was a resident of Reedley, CA for 30 years, before moving to Morro Bay, upon his retirement from his employment with Fresno County. In retirement, Jack became a savvy businessman, owning and operating Morro Bay Bottle Liquors, the Pinehurst Lodge in the Sierra Nevada, and numerous investment and rental properties. Jack was preceded in death by his three brothers, Joe, John, and Jeff; and his sister LaVerne. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joy Sutterfield Harper; their sons Jackie and wife Donna, and Chuck and wife Mary; and daughters, Donna Johannessen and husband Erik, and Carol Jordan and husband Ron; his grandchildren, Justin and Jake Johannessen, Conor, Jackson, and Jesse Harper, Michael, Danelle, Brooke, and Caitlin Jordan; two great-grandchildren, Avila and Nora Jordan; and his devoted Chihuahua Chuey, who remained by his side to the end. Jack is also survived by his two brothers, Jerry and James. He was a loyal and dear friend to many, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother who will be missed and continue to be cherished by all. Friends and family are invited to join in a Celebration of Jack's Life at the Reedley Eagles Lodge, 1230 11th Street, Reedley CA, on Saturday, December 17, 2016, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.