James A. Harper

Coach James A. Harper, 83, of Swainsboro passed away Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Emanuel Medical Center following a brief illness.     

Coach Harper was born June 16, 1938, in Jesup, Ga to James and Rita Bowen Harper.  He is preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Mary Parker; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roy and Jean Clements; niece, Anna E. Van Horn.  Coach Harper was star teacher of Emanuel County in 1975 and 1985.  He was GA Athletic coach of the year for girls basketball in 1974-75 and was inducted into the Swainsboro High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. Coach Harper received a certification of participation from the American Red Cross.  He graduated high school from Wayne County High School in Jesup, GA.  After high school, he attended The Citadel in Charleston, SC in 1958 and then went on to graduate from University of GA where he was head of the ROTC.  Coach Harper was 2^nd Lieutenant in the Army from 1960-1964 in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.  He later attended Georgia Southern and then taught school and was principal in Emanuel County, GA for 35 years.  Coach Harper was a member of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. 

Survivors include his wife of 57 years Lois P. Harper (Swainsboro); brothers, Michael (Janet) Harper of Winder, Richard (Betty Alice) Harper of Greer, SC, Robert (Diane) Harper of Myrtle Beach, SC; brother-in-law, Dr. John (Eileen) Parker of Sylvania; sister-in-law Margie Poole of Albany; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Graveside Service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum with Dr. John Parker officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday August 30, 2021 at Chapman Funeral Home.

Family will also receive friends at 557 Calhoun St, Swainsboro, GA 30401, the home of the late Roy and Jean Clements. 

Pallbearers are John Rountree, Donald Jenkins, Danny Wayne Faircloth, Henry Terwilliger, Richard Reddish, Donnie Wilson, Nathaniel Billups, Robert Surrency. 

The family wants to thank the staff of Emanuel Medical Center for the loving care provided to Coach Jimmy A. Harper. 

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Coach James A. Harper, 83, of Swainsboro.

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