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Obituary
James Alan Harper, July 15, 1954 – January 19, 2023
It is with sorrow that the family of James (Jim) Harper announce his passing in a tragic electrical house fire in Neepawa at the age of 68 years. Jim was born in Neepawa to James and Reta (Patterson) Harper.
Jim lived in the Neepawa area most of his life farming in the summer and working various others jobs along the way. He will be fondly remembered by many as the custodian of the Yellowhead Community Recreation Centre, where he served for many years. He will also be remembered by many folks in and around the area of Wabowden as someone who loved working in the Northern bush for the railway providing water management services. Jim spoke often of his love of the north. He found peace and tranquility there being in nature and hearing the soothing call of the loons. It was a place like no other.
Jim will be remembered as an intelligent man who was philosophical in his outlook. He was a storyteller and someone who valued being a straight-shooter, no pageantry kind-of-man. A man who was definitive in his views. He was so passionate about his beloved Chicago Blackhawks that he could not watch them play as it was too emotionally charged for him to bear. He also had a great passion for music — it was the life force that ran through his veins. Expressing his emotions was difficult for him, however, he was always able to express himself well through other people’s music. When he wanted you to hear something he deemed important, he would make you stop and listen. And he quite often liked to converse on different planes of existence. If you were one of the lucky ones, he would invite you to join him there.
Jim leaves behind his daughter Shawna Kelly and her son James; son Derek Harper and Mary Elliott and their children Bodie and Lila; son, Curtis Harper; daughter Janis and Derek McKelvy and their children Kara, Hayden and Riker; mother, Reta Harper; and sister, Judith Harper. He was predeceased by his father, James Harper.
A celebration of life will be held at the Neepawa Legion on Thursday, Feb 2nd from 1 to 3pm. Drop in for a gathering of friends and family where we can share some food and memories.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Helen Drysdale who was a good friend to Jim, and to all the firefighters and emergency personal that attended to him.
As an expression of sympathy if you so choose, you may make a charitable donation to the Beautiful Plains Museum. Email money transfer: beautifulplainsmuseum@gmail.com; or cheque payable to the Beautiful Plains Museum, Box 1732 Neepawa, MB R0J iH0.
When you hear the call of the loon, know that Jim is there. May he rest in peace.
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July 15 1954 January 19 2023 68 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Neepawa, Province: Manitoba
death notice James Jim Alan Harper July 15 1954 January 19 2023 68 Years Old
obituaries notice James Jim Alan Harper July 15 1954 January 19 2023 68 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of James Jim Alan Harper July 15 1954 January 19 2023 68 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.