It is with great sadness we announce the passing of James Randell Harper Jr. He passed away very suddenly at his home in Lawrenceburg KY on October 17, 2024 with his loving wife by his side.
James was born in Pineville, KY, on July 15th 1972 to James and Dora Harper. He graduated from Knox Central High School in Barbourville KY, and went on to attend and graduate from Eastern Kentucky University. He worked at Prysmian (General Cable) in Lawrenceburg for 23 years as a Systems Administrator and was often known for going above and beyond in everything he did.
James and Melissa were married in 2007, and spent every day of their 17 beautiful years together loving each other fiercely and with every fiber of their being. His family and friends will remember him as a man that was always quick to share a smile and a laugh with strangers and friends alike. He was passionate about music, and not a day went by that he wasn’t listening to a mix of old favorites or searching for new artists to enjoy. He was a self-professed nerd at heart and loved Star Trek, video games, and could often be found tearing apart a computer or other gadget to figure out how to make it perform to his high standards. James had a great love of animals and at times had a houseful. He will be greatly missed by his Dobermans, Klaus and Davina.
James is survived by his wife Melissa, son Christopher, mother Dora Harper, brothers Derryl (Rachel) Harper and Edward Tinsley, sister Dora (William) Morton, as well as many nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, James Randell Harper, Sr.
James was a thoughtful, intelligent, and loving man and leaves behind many family, friends, and co- workers that are heartbroken with his sudden and unexpected passing. As hard it is, he would want us to take our time to grieve, and then spend our days sharing the smiles, hugs, and laughs he so freely gave to all those he encountered.
“The man I am writing about is not famous. It may be that he never will be. It may be when his life at last comes to an end he will leave no more of a trace of his sojourn on earth than a stone thrown into a river leaves on the surface of the water. But it may be that the way of life that he has chosen for himself, and the peculiar strength and sweetness of his character may have an ever-growing influence over his fellow men so that, long after his death perhaps, it may be realized that there lived in this age a very remarkable creature”
-W. Somerset Maughum
A celebration of life planned for Oct 31st with the time and place to be announced at a later date.
Noon and Son Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with final care.
This is a courtesy announcement by the Knox Funeral Home.
