James Harper, IV “Harper”, 74, of Water View, VA went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 24, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his parents James Harper Alexander, III and Anna F. Alexander.
After Thomas Dale High School, he lettered in track and field and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1971. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathryne Elizabeth Gary on December 30, 1971.
Harper was co-owner of Adams & Durvin Marine, co-developer of Queen Anne’s Cove in Urbanna, VA, and Operations Manager at Virginia Forklift. A lifelong patriot, Harper served in the VA Air National Guard, and took great pride in his two sons who served on active duty in the US Air Force. He served faithfully in several capacities at River Road Church, Baptist & then Urbanna Baptist Church.
After retiring to Water View, VA, he enjoyed traveling the world, pickleball and capitalizing on all aspects of “Rivah” life. His greatest joy was being “Poppy” to his six grandchildren Anna, Grace, Brady, Summer, Kate and Sara. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Kathy, two sons, Gary (Rebecca) and Scott (A.K.).
He is also survived by his five siblings, Anna Mary, Betsy (Tom), Carolyn, Jean, and Doug.
The family will receive friends on December 29, 2023 at Urbanna Baptist Church, 122 Watling St., Urbanna, VA from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at Urbanna Baptist Church on December 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Urbanna Baptist Church, P.O. Box 416, Urbanna, VA 23175.
