James “Jim” D. Harper, 84, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2018 at 6:22 p.m. at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center. Jim remained strong throughout his long journey with cancer and was surrounded by family when he peacefully transitioned to his eternal life in Heaven.
Jim was born and raised in Benton, Kentucky. At the age of 16, he began his career in the trucking industry by working with his father. He continued this profession by creating and operating Harper Hot Shot, where he joyfully served the community with hard work, generosity, and professionalism. Jim was a Christian and a member of Gospel Mission Worship Center in Paducah, Kentucky.
Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Patricia Harper; son, Mitchell Harper and wife Carole; stepson, Dr. Eddie Doughty and wife Dawn; stepdaughter, Sherry Doughty; six grandchildren, Misty, Jessica, Sherece, Chase, Gavin, and Griffyn; three great-grandchildren, Kelly, Kate, and Ayva “Doodle-Bug”;brother, Curtis Harper and wife Nancy; sister, Doris Lane; sister, Marlene Stone and husband Glen; and several nieces and nephews.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, Dudley Harper; mother, Martha Sue (Boggess) Harper; stepmother, Lorene Harper; paternal grandparents, Ader and Hosie Harper; maternal grandparents, Albert and Bessie Boggess.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 4, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Jim Wright officiating. Burial will follow at New Edwards Cemetery in Benton.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.
You may leave a message or light a candle online at www.milnerandorr.com
