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Obituary For James Lomax Harper
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.
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Adrienne M. Combs sent Serene Lily Basket for James Lomax Harper - November 04, 2024
With deepest sympathy to the Harper family. May God comfort you and give you strength. Your cousin Adrienne Melvin Combs and Family
America the Beautiful was sent for James Lomax Harper - November 04, 2024
Tae Willis sent Ocean Devotion for James Lomax Harper - November 01, 2024
Praying for strength and comfort for your family. 2 Cor 1:4
The Willis Family (Tae)
America the Beautiful was sent for James Lomax Harper - November 01, 2024
Pamela Wollyung planted 5 trees in memory of James Lomax Harper . - November 03, 2024
I also had the pleasure of working with Harper at FCC Petersburg. He was such a warm and professional person. Always smiling and pleasant to staff and inmates. May your many memories of him give you comfort in the days weeks and months ahead. Pamela Stewart
Condolences to the family of James L. Harper.Had the opportunity to work with Harper at FCI Petersburg and could not say enough about this wonderful, God fearing gentleman. Had a heart of gold. RIP.
To the Harper Family. It is with a heavy heart to offer these condolences to you all. I am a military spouse that came in contact with Mr. Harper at Dinwiddie Junior High School. We definitely was a family during our time before I was sent to the high school. We always kept in touch. I pray you all will continuously be blessed during this time and in the coming days. God Bless.....Pinkie S. Hall
To the Harper family, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Harper. I had the pleasure of working with him at Dinwiddie Middle School. He was always a very kind and compassionate Educator. Stephanie Harvell
I saw James several times while he was at VCU. His gracious, positive demeanor was amazing. While I was there nurses from another section of the hospital stopped by to see how he was doing. That says a lot about who he was despite his health challenges. James will always be remembered in stories, dreams and songs and maybe a familiar face. May God's grace, comfort and peace be with you all. Paula Owens Parker
To Mrs Kay Harper and Family so Sorry to hear about Mr Harper Passing I Met Mr Harper Many Years ago I would always See Him at Ettrick Deil Take your Rest Mr Harper.
I am so sorry to hearing the passing of Mr. Harper. He and I worked together at FCC Petersburg. He was such a kind and respectful person. I pray the family finds comfort in this time of sorrow in Gods arms and prayer.
Angela Tomlinson
Sending heartfelt prayers and love to Mrs. Harper and the entire family during this difficult time. May God sustain each of you and wrap His loving arms of comfort all around you! Weeping certainly will endure for a night but joy shall come in the morning! Blessings always! Trustee Sharon Weaver-Choice
I was very saddened to learn of my brothers passing. James was a credit to humanity. His caring ways and unselfishness set hum apart from many.. His intoxicating laughter and his love for his family was a sight to behold. Please accept my heartfelt condolences Kaye, the girls and grandchildren. May peace find you and comfort you at this difficult time.
It was my most honored Pleasure to serve Mr. Harper as Secretary of the then Dinwiddie Junior High School. Always a Gentleman and a dear friend. He was a part of the joint cancel at my ordination as Deacon and a God send during my battle with cancer. His weekly text messages encouraged me to be strong in my battle. God certainly has welcomed home a kind courageous servant He will be missed.
To the Harper Family,
It is with deepest sympathy that I submit these words of Thought and Memory.
Brother Harper was a very respected and considerate Gentleman. I first met James on the basketball court of Southside School in Dinwiddie Virginia many years ago. We extended ourselves on the court playing against each other as MUSCLE GUARDS.
It was soon after that trial that we met again at the Federal Correctional Institution in Petersburg Virginia reintroducing ourselves to each other. I must say that my entire career with James was indeed a Professional Pleasure.
To the Family, Mrs. Harper and children, I pray that You will be continously BLESSED throughout Your period of GRIEF and SADNESS.
God Bless
Larry Moody
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
