Name: Viewing for John J. "Jack" Harper
Start: 2021-02-20T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-02-20T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Hawker Funeral Home - Blackfoot

John J Harper was born on July 15, 1933 to Opal J and Marvin R Harper in Blackfoot, Idaho. He was the second of their seven children and he grew up on a farm in the Rose area. Jack was a very good student and graduated from Blackfoot High School. He was one of five students in the first graduating class of Brigham Young University College of Engineering. He has remained a loyal "Cougar" from that time and served on the BYU Scholarship Committee.

Jack married Carolyn Hill in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on July 29, 1953. They are the parents of ten children, Marvin (Cherie) Harper-deceased, Marianne (Don) Ballash of South Jordan, Utah, Janalyn (Fred) Kesler of Meridian,Idaho, Howard (Sheri) Harper-deceased, Carolee (Stewart) Smith of Blackfoot, Melodee (Mike) Trentman of Auburn California, Steven (Jennifer) Harper of Provo, Utah, David (Elaine) Harper of Gig Harbor, Washington, Rebecca (David) Crockett of Oakely, Utah, and Matthew (Cristall) Harper of American Fork, Utah. Jack and Carolyn have 51 grandchildren and 74 great-grandchildren.

After college, Jack worked as a civil engineer for the City of Los Angeles before returning to Idaho to work as Blackfoot City Engineer and Bingham County Engineer. He owned Harper-Leavitt Engineering in Blackfoot where his greatest joy was having his oldest son, Marvin as a partner. He designed many bridges and structures in Idaho, California, Wyoming and Utah. He was a longstanding member of the Blackfoot Rotary Club.

Jack served as a Bishop of the Blackfoot Second Ward and as a counselor in the Blackfoot South Stake Presidency and then the Blackfoot East Stake Presidency. He was a Stake Patriarch and he and Carolyn served in the Idaho Falls Temple for many years. They worked as missionaries in the Capetown South Africa Mission and the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors Center.

A funeral service for members of Jack's family will be held at Hawker Funeral Home on Saturday, February 20, 2021 with a family viewing one hour prior to the service. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, friends and loved ones may watch the service on a live broadcast beginning at 2:00 p.m. The service can be viewed and condolences can be shared at www.hawkerfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post Register from Feb. 19 to Feb. 20, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Harper

Sponsored by Hawker Funeral Home - Blackfoot.

30 Entries

Anon ymous

May 28, 2021

My condolences to Mrs. Harper and the family. Although I did not know "Jack," I knew his missionary son, Marvin, when serving in Peru. Marvin was so proud of his family. Having viewed the many pictures, it is easy to see why Marvin spoke so highly of his parents, grandfather and siblings. Blessings to all....and I am sure they will be waiting for us on the other side.

Marie Gardner Andreason

February 25, 2021

The Harper family are some of my most treasured childhood memories I grew up across the Rose Road from the Harper home. Our grandmothers are sisters. Jack was a little older than me, but He and Bob's activities were always part of our conversations. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Betty Loftus

February 24, 2021

Jack and Carolyn are treasured friends we looked to as our examples as we shared many experiences serving together, always learning from them in ward and stake callings including our mission in South Africa. Our family will always cherish the warmth, love and pure goodness of these dear people. Carolyn, I think of you so often and send my heart felt love and prayers to you and your amazing family. I am sure Gary was in the throng on the other side to welcome Jack to another work.

Linda Dance

February 24, 2021

It was a privilege to be Jack and Carolyn's neighbors for a few years, they were such a wonderful example to us. Jack can be remembered as a gentle giant, he had a giant testimony and knowledge of the gospel, his actions showed that. He was a giant leader to his family, business associates and church members. He left a giant legacy for his family. He will continue to be a giant on the other side of the veil. My prayers go to Carolyn and his children.

Donna Chee

February 22, 2021

Mr Harper was a wonderful neighbor and a magnificent home teacher. He always invited us in his home with open arms. A wonderful example to me. Grateful for his teaching. I will surely miss his smile and gentle words.

Marilyn Brookshier

February 22, 2021

I had the privledge of working and learning from Jack for 30 +/- years while as an office admin assistant. .He was always very professional and knew exactly which book and bridge from memory

Jacqueline Richardson

February 21, 2021

Weldon and I want to send our condolences to Carolynn and family at the passing of Brother Harper. He was a gentle giant when we were served with him at the temple. We are so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brings us peace at these difficult times. Love Jackie and Weldon Richardson

Randi Lemieux

February 21, 2021

Carolyn & Family, you have been our good neighbors and friends for many years. As the Lord welcomes Jack home to perfect peace, may He also comfort you and lead you through your sorrow.

Brig Blake

February 21, 2021

So sorry to hear about Jack. My grandmother loved him and his siblings like her own children.

February 20, 2021

Carolyn and Family, thinking of you at this this time . Your family was such a great example to all of us in the 2nd Ward and the whole Community. Jack was the Bishop when Lynn became active and helped prepare us for our Temple Marriage. What a wonderful time for us! Love ,Judy Broadhead

Sharon Wright

February 20, 2021

Jack will always have a special place in my heart. He was counselor to Bp. Merrill Packer when I lived in the ward as a young married whose husband was stationed elsewhere in the Navy. He was always so kind and solicitous. Carolyn is a cousin to my mother-in-law, so we're family as well. I taught Marianne's 5-year-old Sunday School class. It's been a pleasure to follow the family through the years and have periodic occasions to visit and enjoy one another's company. I send our deepest sympathies and love to Carolyn and all the family. May you always find comfort in sweet memories and your knowledge of the Gospel. (The funeral service was beautiful.)

Jill Wood

February 20, 2021

Love you Uncle Jack. You will be greatly missed.

Ashley Ozburn

February 20, 2021

Jack was a high councilman when my husband was the Elders Quorum President. My husband hadn’t been active for very long when he was out in the calling. Jack was his mentor and set the bar high for what we thought a high councilman was supposed to do. We have never met another high councilman with as much dedication as he. My husband learned so much about how to succeed in a calling and about the Gospel in general. He was our Home Teacher while my husband was EQ president and we loved his visits. He was a great man.

Kathryn Hales

February 20, 2021

It has been my privilege to share a mutual family with the Harpers. Jack and Carolyn were unfailingly kind and treated everyone like family. It was a special joy to travel to the Holy Land, Egypt, and Jordan with them in 2012. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Darrell Thueson

February 20, 2021

Jack Harper was one of the finest man I have ever met. My deep condolences to his family.

Brent & Kathy Lewis

February 20, 2021

We have such fond memories of Brother Harper as He severed as our Bishop of the 2nd ward. What a great example Brother and Sister Harper have been to so many. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Harper Family at this time.

Serena Yancey

February 19, 2021

I have always loved and admired the Harper family. They are such great examples. May the Lord be with your family at this time of loss.

Dean Packham

February 19, 2021

I had the blessing of serving on the High Coucil with him for about ten years. He always showed compassion and kindness, and counseled with wisdom and a wry humor. He later gave my wife her Patriarchal Blessing when she arrived from Brazil.

Doug & Susan Crockett

February 19, 2021

Our deepest condolences to the Harper family. You have each loved us and made us feel part of your family over these many years! We love you and prayer for you each at this tender time.

Eric Smith

February 19, 2021

To Steve and all of the family: Please accept my condolences on the passing of this beloved man. I did not know him personally but from knowing Steve (from work), I am sure Jack was a terrific person.

Bryce JOLLEY

February 19, 2021

Jack was and always will have a special place in our heart. He taught me so much working with him for so many years. He was not only a boss, partner but a most of all a good friend. We will miss his smiling face.
Bryce and Laurie Jolley

Jack and Laura Hill

February 19, 2021

Jack & Carolyn have been special cousins all through the years. Spending time with Jack was always special. Our thoughts and prayers go out the family. I know our separation will be brief. Much Love to all.

Brent HIgginson

February 18, 2021

Brother Harper was an amazing example to me especially during my teenage years. The Patriarchal Blessing that I received through him has been such a blessing to me and I think of Patriarch Harper each time I read it. I am grateful for his faithfulness and worthiness to serve me and our community for so many years. I am so sorry for your loss, he will surely be missed until we meet again. We pray for and love your family!

Scott and Jana Wood

February 18, 2021

We love and will miss you Uncle Jack!

Neil Morgan

February 18, 2021

Jack was a wonderful friend along with a great business partner in our founding engineering and survey business. Jack was trustworthy in business and community affairs. I thank him for his mentoring and wise council.

Bonnie Anderson

February 18, 2021

Jack and my Dad, Ted Cook, were the best of friend. They shared a monthly studying group for many years. I know they laughed and learned a lot together over the years. My heart aches for the Harper family over the loss of Jack, but I know that he and Dad are are rejoicing in each other's company now as well as seeing Marvin again. I love you Cherie and we'll be praying for you and your family to find peace.

Kathy Palmer

February 18, 2021

Uncle Jack was the best, you could feel his love and goodness any time you were near him. He will be missed by so many. Until we meet again. Love you.

Gwen and Kim Leavitt

February 18, 2021

Jack was a great mentor and partner, but most of all a good friend. We will always cherish the great memories we have shared together.

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