James E. "Jim" Harper, 92, of Lake of the Woods, Hudson, Indiana, died Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Heritage Park Nursing Home in Fort Wayne.

He was born August 18, 1931, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Raymond and Cecilia (Pranger) Harper.

On September 27, 1952, in New Haven he married Barbara A. Schuckel. She preceded him in death on May 24, 2014.

Mr. Harper retired after 30 years from Wayne Hardware in Fort Wayne where he was an architectural hardware consultant. He also owned and operated Harper's Northern Christmas Trees in Fort Wayne for 50 years, where he was known as the "King of Christmas Trees".

He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Fort Wayne but attended St. Mary's of the Angels at Lake of the Woods. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus #451, Eagles Lodge, Polar Bear Club, Fort Wayne Turners Club and the Funnel Club all in Fort Wayne.

Jim enjoyed doing yard work, carpentry, and woodworking.

Surviving are four sons, Terrence (Rita) Harper of Fort Wayne, Mark Harper of Fort Wayne, Dennis (Teresa) Harper of Kendallville, and Donald (Theresa) Harper of Hudson; two daughters, Cynthia (Gordon) DeCook of Hudson and Michaelle (Marcos) Guzman of El Paso, Texas; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a brother, David L. (Patricia) Harper of Fort Wayne.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Paul Harper.

Visitation is Friday, October 20, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Borromeo Church, 4916 Trier Road, Fort Wayne.

Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery in Fort Wayne.

Preferred memorials may be directed to the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, 915 S. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46802.

Share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com