James “Jim” Rex Harper, age 38, of Elkins, WV died Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. He was born July 28, 1972 in Grand Rapids, MI, a son of Rose Mary Pickens Harper of Buckhannon and the late Ordith Rex Harper. In addition to his mother, he is survived by three sons, Shelton, Eric and Samuel Harper all of Elkins; former wife, Gloria Shaffer of Elkins; one sister, Dena Andrew and husband Adam of Shepherdstown, WV; one nephew, Christopher Andrew of Shepherdstown; uncles, Bob Harper of Buckhannon and Steve Harper of Fairmont, WV; cousins, Donna Hull and husband Donald of Pickens, WV and Tina Hull and husband Chet of Buckhannon. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Pickens; maternal grandmother, Orpha Goldsmith; paternal grandfather, Coy Harper and paternal grandmother, Berniece Harper. Jim was a clerk for the Dairy Mart in Elkins. He was Pentecostal by faith. Jim was a big barrel of laughs; fun loving, easy going person and he will be greatly missed and was loved by all who knew him. Friends will be received Monday, January 17, 2011 from 6-8 PM at the Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Frank Spears officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Union Church Cemetery at Tallmansville, WV. Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
