James A "Hoss" Harpster

James A. "Hoss" Harpster, 80, of Spring Mills, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on Monday, January 1, 2024, at home. Born on the family farm in Boalsburg, on December 3, 1943, he was the son of the late Russell H. and Edna M. (Breon) Harpster. On April 27, 1974, he married the love of his life, Kathy Fogelman, who survives at home.
Jim graduated from State College Area High School in 1962. He had worked for Bellefonte Lime & Stone, now Graymont Mining, in Pleasant Gap for 32 years, retiring in 1997. He was disabled in a work accident in 1997 but enjoyed his life in many additional ways. He drove his percheron horses, "Randy" & "Dandy" for seven years in the Victorian Christmas and the Bellefonte Childrens Fair. He drove many Amish families, whom he considered friends, started the chicken bbq stand at the Boalsburg Fire Company Carnival, and enjoyed "coffee club" at Snappy's or eating a good meal and having great conversations at Earlystown Diner. He and his wife are the owners of Windy Way Farm, where they cared for livestock and the fields for many years and he loved it. There was always a horse, a beef cow, or a goat at the barn and he always had his trusty canine companion "Buddy" by his side.
Jim was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Boalsburg. He was also a member of the Fleetfoot Hunting Camp and the Harris Township Fish and Game, a life member of the Boalsburg Fire Company, and a member of the Alpha Ambulance. He was a member of the Centre Hall Lions Club, where he had volunteered countless hours. He was a previous member of the Endless Mountain Early Days Association, the National Percheron Association, the Pennsylvania Percheron Association, and he served as a Past 4-H Leader. He participated in the Boalsburg Holiday Celebrations for many years. He loved the outdoors and all it had to offer, including farming, fishing, hunting deer and turkey, and attending farm and house auctions. He also loved his horses very much. Some knew him as Jim, others called him Hoss, but everyone knew him as friend or neighbor. He was opinionated and compassionate with a sense of humor and sarcasm. He was an honest and caring man that let you know where you stood. He was witty and enjoyed making people laugh. His smirk would light up the room and although it appeared mischievous, it was all in good humor. It can truly be said that he never met a stranger. He will be sorely missed by so many.
Along with his wife, Kathy, Jim is survived by three daughters, Deborah Weaver of Port Matilda and her fiancé, Dale Keller, of Port Royal, Karen K. French and her husband, Lewis, of Centre Hall, and Jennifer S. Stover and her husband, Roger, in Centre Hall; his brother, Harold Harpster of Boalsburg; brother in-law, John Witherite of Port Matilda; sisters, Frances M. Shook in Spring Mills and Joan Kormanic of Bellefonte; 10 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer L. Fogelman Markle in 2013; his brother Roy Harpster; and his sister, Betty Witherite.
A viewing will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024 form 6pm – 8pm and on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 10am – 11am at the Centre Hall Lions Club, 153 E Church Street, Centre Hall. A funeral service will follow at 11am on Tuesday with Pastor LeRoy Reitz officiating. Jim will be laid to rest privately at the Boalsburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jim's memory to the Fleetfoot Hunting Camp, 207 Bell Ave, Boalsburg, PA 16827, the Harris Township Fish & Game, PO Box 216, Boalsburg, PA 16827, or to the Centre Hall Lions Club, PO Box 349, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc of Centre Hall. To share memories and condolences online, please visit daughenbaughs.com.