James Melvin Harpster

In Loving Memory of James "Jim" Melvin Harpster

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Veteran

January 10, 1947 – July 1, 2025

James "Jim" Melvin Harpster passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. He was 78 years old.

A devoted husband, Jim was married to the love of his life, Jennifer Harpster, for nearly 55 years. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering commitment-a legacy now carried forward by their five children: James "Jimmy" Harpster Jr. and wife Melissa of Baytown; Malinda Durbin and husband Paul of Crosby; Lori Adamson and husband Darren of Highlands; Katie Lee and husband Ricky of Crosby; Kelly Holcomb and husband Joshua of Dayton.

Jim was the proud grandfather of Nathan Harpster and wife Monica, Clara Harpster, Lilly Choi and husband Yong, Caleb Durbin, Erin Adamson, Cody Adamson, Jacob Pipes, Lucas Pipes, Eli Harpster, Emma Holcomb, Shelby Lee, Colton Lee, and Corbin Lee. He also leaves behind his cherished great-grandchildren: Major Adamson, Oliver Harpster, Ezra Harpster, Cassius Elam, Everleigh Elam, Jason Choi and Leo Choi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Genevie (Fultz) Harpster; his sister, Gloria Amspacker; his brother, Steven Harpster; and his granddaughter, Hannah Harpster.

Jim is also survived by his brother Arthur Harpster and wife Rose of Lewistown, Pennsylvania; sister Melissa Phillips and husband Guy of Yeagertown, Pennsylvania; brother David Harpster and wife Tina of Burnham, Pennsylvania; and numerous extended family members who loved him dearly.

A proud veteran, Jim served his country with honor in the United States Army, and served in the Vietnam War. His quiet strength and deep sense of duty remained steadfast throughout his life.

Jim began a long and respected career as a mechanic with Channelview ISD where he retired.

Outside of work, Jim found joy in life's simplest pleasures. He loved early morning hunting trips, peaceful afternoons spent fishing, evenings at the Sugarland Space Cowboys, and-above all-time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He rarely missed a game, performance, or school event, always there with a quiet smile and a heart full of pride. He loved his time on his back porch feeding the birds and squirrels.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Crosby and he loved the Lord.

Jim will be remembered for his humble nature, steady presence, sharp wit, and deep love for his family. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was with intention and heart. He led by example, gave without expecting, and loved with quiet but boundless devotion.

Though he may be gone from our sight, Jim's spirit lives on in the family he so faithfully built, in the values he instilled, and in the countless lives he touched along the way. This is not a goodbye but a see you later.