James Harper

January 28, 1946 - January 14, 2022

NEW PALESTINE – James Wayne Harper, age 75, of New Palestine, slipped peacefully out of our lives and into the arms of his Lord on Friday, January 14, 2022. He was born in Indianapolis on January 28, 1946, to Kenneth R. and Gladys B. (Williams) Harper. He attended New Palestine High School. Mr. Harper served in the Army, from 1965-1967, during the Vietnam War. He married Christy (Osborne) O’Dell on December 31, 2004. He worked as a Welder/Pipefitter for 40 years and was a member of the UA Local #440 before retiring. Mr. Harper was a former member of the American Legion Post #70 in Shelbyville. He enjoyed fishing, coin collecting, his fur babies Chopper and Scooter, and doing yard work. He is survived by his loving wife, Christy of New Palestine; children, James (Connie) Harper of Shelbyville, Jason Harper of Michigan, Jaymee (Matt) Thibodeaux of Greenfield, Jason (Kara) O’Dell of Indianapolis, Kimberly (Ron) Brooks of New Palestine; sisters Judy Harper, Regina Harper, and Deanna West of Greenfield; brother Gene (Marcy) Williams of Virginia; and grandchildren Miranda, Lisa, and Alyssa Brooks, and Rylee and Carson O’Dell. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jackie, and Larry Harper; and nephews, Brad West, and Matthew Harper. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, by website at www.dav.org. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.