John Dean (Jay) Harper
John Dean (Jay) Harper, age 92, of Mountain Home, Idaho, September 3, 1932 – October 31, 2024
John D. Harper passed into the nearer presence of God on October 31, 2024. By the sovereign grace of God, he lived to know his lineage of sixty-two blood heirs spanning four generations- all of whom would know of his journey of passion and purpose as a Christ-centered disciple. He humbly embraced the grace of unmerited atonement and willingly took up the cross of the Gospel witness, setting an example that is a living testimony in the hearts of his large, extended family.
John was born in Elkhart, Kansas, the son of Lawrence John Harper and Grace Larson Harper, during the Dust Bowl days of 1932. He was the elder brother to Victor Harper, Donald Harper, Patricia Harper Boettger, and George Harper, all of whom preceded him in death. His first wife Vesta Bray Harper, first born son, Verne Jay Harper, and grandson, Skyler Todd Harper have preceded him into the comfort of God.
John lived his life with a certain inspiration for action being a natural leader. He was blessed to become an apprentice pipefitter, a journeyman and lifelong member of Pipefitters’ Local 208, and spent his professional career of over seventy years in supervising and directing businesses that constructed commercial heat, air, and waste mechanical systems. Most particularly he was grateful for the opportunities for his late life professional engagement of over twenty years with Mackin Little, of Spokane, Washington.
John was a highly engaged lay churchman, serving Christ in many communities as a deacon, teacher, and interim pastor. He diligently taught his children the tenets of righteousness summarized in the first Psalm, and often reiterated the blessing of redemptive grace. As far as his children were considered, he often said he was not interested in raising privates- only generals. His children and their extended families were his pleasure and the focus of his many prayers.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Norma Brayton Harper, and her extended family. He is also survived by two sons, John Dean Harper Jr. with his wife Esther Mayfield Harper (Tulsa, OK), and Garry Wayne Harper with his wife Donica Harper (Mountain Home, ID). His pride were his twin daughters, Marietta Harper Orr and husband Chuck Orr (Willow Springs, MO), Marjorie Harper Thompson and her husband Byron Thompson (Columbia, MO).
John is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren that include- Shanda and Jason Camu (Jude), Jeremy and Shelby Harper (Aiden and Daphne), Weston and Lynsey Harper (Skyler and Kelly), Loni Harper (Evelyn, Baron and Penny); JaHannah and Edward Jamelarin (Isabel and John Alexander), Justin and Whitney Harper (Carter, Kinsley, Layna and Thatcher), Jennah and Shane Pech (John Michael, aka “Jack”), Jannessah and David Hamilton (Ruth and Rory); Sara and Matt Gallagher (Sloan and Penny), Olivia and Tristan Quesinberry (Camden and Everleigh); Jimmy and Jonnah Thomas (Caleb, Colby, Colton, Bennett, Elle, Oaklee, Cash, Brittney and Luke), Jason Thomas (Tyler, TyLane, Sadie and Cooper, London, Lucas); Andria and Brian Tarter (Gunner), Jared and Tracy Finley (Addison and Grant), Zack and Kortney Privette (Blaire and Berkleigh), Zane and Bailey Privette (Rylan and Hudson), Alexis and Hanna Cohen; Tom Orr (Grant and Gracie), Kayleen Orr, Jacob and Amy Thompson (Hadley), Kaye, Zach, and Madison Thompson.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at The Rush Events Center, 1112 40th Street, Evans, Colorado on January 11, 2025.
Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to contribute to a Christian Mission Ministry of their choice in John’s name.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.