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Jay J. Harper
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Jay Harper Obituary
Jay James Harper, 83, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away at Fairlawn Retirement Community following an extensive battle with heart disease on July 21, 2025.
He was born in Napoleon, Ohio, on Nov. 8, 1941, to the late James and Berneta (Eberle) Harper. On May 26, 1962, he married Rufina Anne Lecklider, who preceded him in death in 2004.
Jay worked for Fulton Tubing for over 30 years and was a lifelong farmer. He enjoyed his gardens and bird watching.
Jay liked to winter in Florida, but especially enjoyed the family cottage at the lake where he could fish and spend time with friends and family.
He is survived by his children, Jodie Harper, Kevin Harper, Eric Harper, Tammie (Richard) Sharp and Tonia Harper; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia (Mac) Osborne.
Services will be private for the family. He will be interred at Riverview Memory Gardens, Defiance, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Fairlawn Retirement Community.
Online condolences and messages may shared with the family at rodenbergergray.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Funeral services provided by:
Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home - Napoleon1010 Westmoreland Avenue, Napoleon, OH 43545
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