James Orville Harper

James Orville "Sarge" Harper, 90, died July 29, 2022 at Somerset Nursing and Rehab.

Born December 31, 1931 in Pulaski County, he was the son of the late John Nelson Harper and Doritha Bea (Phelps) Harper. He retired from the former Tecumseh Products after 27 years. He also retired from the United States Army, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, after serving 20 years. He served active duty in the Korean Conflict, 3 tours in Germany, and at numerous military installations throughout his career.

Survivors include daughter, Diann & (Clay) Crabtree; a son, James D. Harper; sister, Jewell B. Mercer; brother, Vergis Harper; three grandchildren, Patrick & (Cindy) Pumphrey of Somerset, and Jimmy and Christopher Harper, both of Somerset; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Cali Pumphrey of Somerset; a step-son, Gary & (Lisa) Compton, of Somerset; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Iva Christine (Whitis) Harper; second wife, Sue Katherine (Compton) Harper; four sisters, Ailene Dye, Anna Warren, Ophia Brower, and Ora McHaffrey; four brothers-in-law, Estill Mercer, William C. Dye, Ernest Warren, and Carl McHaffrey; one sister-in-law, Wanda Harper; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Fayrene (Whitis) & Martin Strumberger and Carl & Betty Godby.

His hobbies included Bowling with his team mates at Briar Bowl for years, hunting, gardening, and walking through the woods. He had 2 fur babies that he enjoyed playing with, "Sam" and "Easton".

A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at the Chapel of Morris & Hislope Funeral Home with Bro. Joe Warren & Bro. Daniel Harper officiating.

Burial will be in Eden Cemetery.

Visitation will be after 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Hospice of Lake Cumberland or American Legions Post # 38 of Somerset, Kentucky.

Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at: www.morrisandhislope.com