Colonel James Edward Harper was born on April 6, 1942, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Edward and Helen Harper. He grew up in a family with a deep tradition of military service — his father had served in World War II, his uncle in Korea — and from an early age James understood that service was not a sacrifice but a privilege. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army upon graduating from Texas A&M University in 1964 with a degree in Military Science. Over the next thirty years, he served with distinction in Vietnam (two tours, 1966–1967 and 1969–1970), Germany, South Korea, and at the Pentagon. He commanded at the company, battalion, and brigade levels, earning a reputation as a leader who was demanding of his soldiers because he was first demanding of himself. Colonel Harper's decorations include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Valor device (awarded twice), the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), and the Army Commendation Medal. He retired in 1994 at the rank of Colonel after thirty years of service. In retirement, James became a tireless advocate for veterans. He served on the board of the San Antonio Veterans Council, volunteered weekly at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, and mentored young officers through the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Alumni Association. He was a founding member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 838 in San Antonio. He married Patricia Ann Lawson in 1965, and together they raised three children across seven duty stations, building a family that was as resilient and loyal as the man who led it. James Harper was a soldier, a husband, a father, and a man of absolute integrity. He is gone, but his standard remains. Colonel James Edward Harper passed away on July 18, 2026, at the age of 84. Duty, Honor, Country.

Hobbies & interests

Mentoring young officers through the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Alumni Association; volunteering weekly at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital; hunting and fishing in the Texas Hill Country; reading military history; attending Texas A&M football games; woodworking in his home shop

Survived by

His wife of 61 years, Patricia Ann Harper (née Lawson); three children: Lt. Col. James Harper Jr. (ret.) (Susan) of Colorado Springs, CO, Karen Harper-Donnelly (Michael) of San Antonio, TX, and Robert Harper (Lisa) of Austin, TX; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his brother, William Harper of Fort Worth, TX.

Preceded in death by

His parents, Edward and Helen Harper; his sister, Mary Harper-Simmons; and his fellow soldiers who did not come home.