James Lee Harper, 78, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023. James was a standout three sport athlete at Butler High School and was Division 1 Basketball player at University of Washington. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree at IUPUI. He served his country as a civil servant retiring after 30 plus years from United States Naval Ordinance Station. He was a proud owner of thoroughbred horses, he was an avid golfer, and loved his second home Churchill Downs. He was a coach and mentor to 100's of young people. He was always willing to lend a hand, a buck, a ride, fried chicken for church picnics, and all these things with no expectations for anything in return.
He was an amazing and devoted husband of 57 years, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He will be missed and loved by many.
He was born on November 11, 1944 in Bremerton, Washington to William and Mary (Mattingly) Harper. He is preceded in death by his Father, William Anderson Harper, Mother, Mary Ellen Harper, Wife, Judith Ann Harper, Brother, William Harper, and 2 Great-Grandsons.
James is survived by his loving family, Children, Christine "Chrissy" Marie (Raymond) Mohr, Katherine "Kathy" Veronica (David) Harper-Harvey, and James "Jimmy" Edward (Pamela) Harper; Grandchildren, Jason (Kellie) McFall, Elizabeth Jones, Mary (Dale) Dearing, Jennifer (Michael) Goodpaster, and Hannah Tomaszewski; 9 Great-Grandchildren; Sister, Beverly (Bill) Logsdon, Brother, Bruce (Bette) Harper, and Sister-In-Law, Judy Harper, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends to cherish his loving memory forever.
The family will have a Celebration of Life service at a later date.
The family requests that contributions in James's memory be made to St. Judes.
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