James Lomax Harper, 68, was a respected and cherished member of the community and went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 26, 2024. He was born on November 26, 1955 in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late Charles H. Harper Sr. and N. Elleen Harper.

James attended Central Elementary and graduated from Deep Creek High in Chesapeake, Virginia in 1973 before going on to earn his Bachelor’s of Science degree in History from Virginia State College (now University) in 1977. While a student at Virginia State, he played saxophone in the marching band. He was deeply involved in his community through his activities at First Baptist Church, Petersburg, where he was a cherished member of several choirs and most recently the Men’s Choir. James also served on the Deacon board. His commitment extended beyond spiritual service; he was also a proud Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

His career began as an educator in the Dinwiddie Public School System and continued as a teacher at the Federal Correctional Institution in Hopewell, where he worked from December 8, 1985 until his retirement on June 30, 2007. His dedication to his work and the impact he had on his colleagues and the community will not be forgotten.

Surviving are his loving wife of 44 years, Kay Adams Harper; three daughters, Dana Green (Mark) of Chesapeake, VA, Kristen Harper of Haughton, LA and Alana Harper of Chesapeake, VA; five grandchildren, Makayla, Peyton and Mark Green III, and Houston and Hassan Harden; two brothers, Willie C. Marlins (Mary) of Suffolk, VA and Charles H. Harper Jr. (Zina) of Richmond; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, one devoted, Karl L. Stith; two brothers-in law, Harold Adams (Beverly) of Irvine, CA and Willard Adams (Joanne) of Portsmouth, VA; two sisters-in-law, Teresa Robinson (Randy) of Virginia Beach, VA and Celia Clinton (Michael) of Fairfax, VA; other relatives and friends, one devoted, John “JR” Jones.

Remains rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond, where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2024. The Delta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Omega service will be held at 6 p.m. at James M. Wilkerson Funeral Home, 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, followed by the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024 at First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison St, Petersburg, VA. Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman officiating. Interment 1 p.m. Friday, November 8 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 3920 Airline Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23321. Livestreaming at First Baptist Church Facebook page.

His legacy of love, leadership and community service will be remembered by all who knew him.