James Roger Harper, 73, of Montgomery, IL passed away on November 26th, 2021. He was born in Clendenin, WV on August 21, 1948, the son of Maxine and Claire Harper.  Jim served in the U.S Marine Corps and spent active duty in Vietnam. He worked as a machinist at Caterpillar Tractor for over 30 years and was active in the local UAW union for the entirety of his employment.  He stayed active in the union after his retirement as well.  Post retirement, he enjoyed working for Anderson’s Bookstore in Naperville, where he delivered books to local schools and worked in the warehouse.  Jim liked to travel. He loved going back to West Virginia to visit family, especially to be with mom.  He also enjoyed trips to Minnesota to visit his son.  Lastly, his trips with his wife Judy to Las Vegas were always a highlight. Above all, he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Judy Harper; son, Jamie (Miranda) Harper of Winona, MN; mother, Maxine Keffer of Clover, WV; brother, David “Sam” (Betty) Harper of Clendenin, WV; sister-in-law, Judy Harper of Savannah, GA and Carol Williams of Kiefer, OK; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Claire Harper; son, Jeffery Harper; brother, Robert Harper; step-father, Alva Keffer; father-in-law Elmer Williams; mother-in-law, Edith Williams; sister-in-law Donna Carpenter; brother-in-law, Bill Carpenter; brother-in-law, Gary Williams; and niece, Debbie Carpenter-Harvey.

Family will be receiving guests on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S. Broadway Ave, Montgomery, IL 60538. A funeral service will follow visitation at 1:00 PM also at Dieterle Memorial Home. Interment at Risen Lord Cemetery in Oswego, IL.