James A. Harper

James A. Harper, son of Harold and Elizabeth Roop Harper died peacefully on December 31, 2020 at the age of 96 add due to complications from COVID. He was born on June 26, 1924 and was a life-long resident of Manhattan, New York City until 2019 when he moved up to Massachusetts to be near several of his children. He attended the Buckley School, Philips Exeter Academy, Harvard College (class of 1946) and Harvard Business School (1948). He is predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Mai Duane Harper (Maidie) who died in 2017. He is survived by his seven adoring children Sarah H. Dorer (Robert), Rebecca H. Cennamo, Dr. Elizabeth Harper, Mary H. Levenstein (Fred), Felicity H. Letsou (Peter), James A. Harper Jr (Patty) and John Duane Harper (Jill), twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Harper Hutchins of Norwich, VT and her family.

He served in the Naval Reserves both during and after WW II, retiring in 1966 with the rank of Commander. He was employed in the investment banking field for both Brothers Harriman and Company (NYC) and Daiwa Bank Trust Co. of Daiwa Bank Ltd. Of Osaka, Japan, until retiring in 1991. Aside from family, his interests included amateur theatricals, sailing and art collecting.

Due to COVID, a memorial service will be held at a later date at Trinity Episcopal Church in Red Bank, NJ and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 65 W. Front Street, Red Bank, New Jersey, 07701.