James Harper

James Emil Harper, 61, of Cape Girardeau went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013.

He was born June 27, 1951, in Cape Girardeau to the late Raymond Glenburn and Virginia Bertrand Harper. He and Brenda Gail Brant were married June 11, 1976.

Jim served in Vietnam as a Specialist 4th Class with the 215th Support Battalion, 524th Quartermaster Company, stationed in Cam Ranh Bay.

He was an active member of Cape Bible Chapel and was an ordained prison minister of His Redeeming Grace Ministries 12 years. He enjoyed building homes and owned Custom Cut Log Homes many years. During this time he and his family also operated a Christian bookstore called the Shepherd's Stall. His greatest love was spending time with family, grandchildren and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Gail Harper of Cape Girardeau; mother, Virginia Bertrand Harper; a daughter, Renee Harper (Nick Marquez) of Cape Girardeau; a son, Scott Roth (Andrea) of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren, Abigail, Andrew, Nathaniel James (named after his Poppy) and Aubrey Roth; two sisters, Jane (Cecil) Montgomery and Gail (Mike) Riley; a brother, Gary (Donna) Harper; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Harper; a sister, Karen Harper Sullinger; and a brother, Glenburn Harper.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Cape Bible Chapel.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park with full military rites by Missouri Honor Guard and VFW Post 3838.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested by the family to His Redeeming Grace Prison Ministries, 3918 Annwood Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.