James E. Harper was born in Spring Valley, Illinois on April 15, 1953 to James Thone and Ledora Davis.  James was later adopted by John and Mildred Harper.

James proudly served in the US Navy until December 12, 1974.  His last duty assignment was Misawa, Japan.  Upon his return to the United States, James and his wife Diane moved to Oklahoma and were blessed with two children.

James received an AA in Computer Information Systems in June of 1994.  He worked writing code for Washington Mutual Bank in Washington and later started his own computer forensics business.   Most recently, James was employed part time at Walmart in Yankton and owned Recycle IT.

James enjoyed cyber security, his family and friends and eating dessert first!  He lived by his favorite quote, "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming Wow! What a ride!"

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Mildred Harper, Ledora Davis, stepdad Ken Davis, sister Terry Lynn Thone and brother John (Babe) Walton.  He is survived by his daughter Angela Drumm and her two children, his son Jonathon Harper and his wife and four children, sister Jeannie Miller, sister Tracie Feenstra, sister Leslie Maskooki and beloved nieces and nephews.

James was 70 years old at the time of his death on September 23, 2023.

A private family service will be held at a later date.